Course Description:

This A-Level History Revision course is specially designed for students taking AQA A-Level History (breadth) paper 7042/1C and is structured to dovetail with the key concepts and themes drawn from the AQA 7042/IC syllabus.

Key Themes and Topics:

• The Wars of the Roses and Henry VII’s Consolidation of Power: We will examine the tumultuous period preceding the Tudors and analyse how Henry VII navigated skilfully, the political landscape to establish a stable, Tudor dynasty.
• The English Reformation and Henry VIII: We will delve into the complex and controversial reign of Henry VIII, focusing on his break with the Catholic Church, the establishment of the Church of England, and the 1534 Act of Supremacy.
• The Reigns of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I: We will investigate the religious turmoil and political instability that characterised the reigns of the ‘Little Tudors’ Edward VI, Mary I, and consider the historical debate concerning the term ‘Tudor instability’ before moving on to ‘consolidation and stability’ under Elizabeth I. We will analyse the impact of their religious policies and foreign alliances on England’s development and the attempts at securing the succession.
• Society, Culture, and the Arts: We will examine the social and cultural changes that occurred during the Tudor period, including the growth of the middle class, the rapid population rise, the development of the Elizabethan Renaissance, and the flourishing of literature, music, and the arts.
• Exploration, Colonization, and Global Connections: We will explore England’s expanding horizons during the Tudor era, including the voyages of discovery, the attempts to establish colonies in the Americas, and the growing importance of maritime trade.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this revision course, students will:

• Have a critical understanding of how the Tudors restored and developed the powers of the monarchy.
• Be able to evaluate how effectively England was governed between 1485 and 1603.
• Be able to identify how relations with foreign powers changed and how the succession was secured.
• Be able to explain how English society and economy changed and with what effects.
• Be able to identify the ways that intellectual and religious ideas changed and with what effects.
• Be able to analyse and evaluate the role of key individuals and groups and how they were affected by developments.
• Be able to demonstrate the exam skills and techniques for answering sources and essay questions in the A-level history exam.
• Evidence A-Level History Learning Objective A01: To demonstrate, organise and communicate knowledge and understanding to analyse and evaluate the key features related to the periods studied, making substantiated judgements and exploring concepts, as relevant, of cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference and significance.
• Evidence A-Level History Learning Objective A02: To analyse and evaluate appropriate source material, primary and/or contemporary to the period, within its historical context.
• Evidence A-Level History Learning Objective A03: To analyse and evaluate, in relation to the historical context, different ways in which aspects of the past have been interpreted.