Last Thursday morning, the sun shone as Year 11 History students set off to the mediaeval city of York for an intensive revision day on Elizabeth I. 

After a short stroll by the river, taking in numerous sites of interest on the way, from the famous Clifford’s Tower and former keep castle of William the Conqueror – which also gets a mention in the Domesday book, to arguably the best preserved mediaeval street in Europe, The Shambles. We soon spotted our venue, the 19th century Central Methodist Church and we entered its impressive ionic portico. 

The day got off to a brisk start as students, armed with booklets and pens, became immersed in the study of Elizabeth I and her world. Students were guided through the requirements of the exam by an experienced examiner. They were also treated to an exclusive video from historian, author and broadcaster Tracy Borman, who offered a scholarly insight into Elizabethan England. 

After lunch, students explored their historic environment site, Sheffield Manor Lodge and were invited to go back to the 16th century to take a 360 degree virtual tour of the site and how it would have looked during the custodianship of Mary Queen of Scots, by the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, George Talbot. Our guide throughout the day was Carmel Bones, honorary Fellow of the Historical Association and experienced GCSE and A Level examiner. 

Before the day closed we were all excited to learn if we had won the raffle prize – the coveted ‘My revision notes’ guide. No raffle winners for our students, but there was a great deal to take from the day! 

Thank you to Roisin Daly for her review of the trip:

Last Thursday, history students from Year 11 went on an informative trip to York city centre to take part in a student conference and revision day on Elizabethan England. This was run by notable historians with guest speakers such as Tracy Borman and exam markers to advise us how to get top level answers in our exams. They helped to prepare us both in knowledge and understanding, but also specific technique and self-reflection, which I feel will lend itself terrifically when we sit our exams in the summer. The trip was a lovely way to learn and grow in our history knowledge outside of school and bond as a cohort, in order to further understand how we all learn and support each other now and during the exams. Visiting this historic city provided a sense of history coming alive, and I know that this trip was a useful and exciting venture for all who went. 

Mrs A Potts 

Head of History