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books to get ahead for a level

my school does AQA for a level history, specifically the crusades, the making of modern Britain and also tudor rebellions for our coursework. we also do aqa politics. Are there any books you guys would recommend in the summer which would help me get interested/some wider reading related to it. how would you guys recommend doing something for a-level econ as well
Reply 1
Original post by antique-prescrip
my school does AQA for a level history, specifically the crusades, the making of modern Britain and also tudor rebellions for our coursework. we also do aqa politics. Are there any books you guys would recommend in the summer which would help me get interested/some wider reading related to it. how would you guys recommend doing something for a-level econ as well
if your school gives you transition work, have a go at it. Personally don’t you think you need to do further research for any of your subjects because you’ll be taught in from the beginning in September. I’d say for politics and economics, stay up to date with the news so you’re aware of current affairs ( which is crucial for politics!!). Have a look at some basic economic concepts like inflation and economic growth maybe if you’re a complete beginner. But honestly they teach you everything from scratch so you’ll be fine ha. For history, buy the needed textbooks and maybe have a look at the specification so you’re prepared but nothing more honestly.
Reply 2
you could try the History of the Crusades podcast, by Sharyn Eastaugh. Haven't listened to it (yet) but she does the Reconquista podcast which is quite good.
Original post by antique-prescrip
my school does AQA for a level history, specifically the crusades, the making of modern Britain and also tudor rebellions for our coursework. we also do aqa politics. Are there any books you guys would recommend in the summer which would help me get interested/some wider reading related to it. how would you guys recommend doing something for a-level econ as well

For AQA A-level History: "The Crusades: The Authoritative History" by Thomas Asbridge—provides a detailed exploration of the Crusades.

For AQA Politics, "Political Ideologies: An Introduction" by Andrew Heywood is essential to understand the core concepts.

Regarding A-level Economics, a good summer activity could be reading "Freakonomics" by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, which applies economic theories to real-world scenarios in an engaging way.

What does everyone else think? Any other books or resources you've found useful?
(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 4
Original post by antique-prescrip
my school does AQA for a level history, specifically the crusades, the making of modern Britain and also tudor rebellions for our coursework. we also do aqa politics. Are there any books you guys would recommend in the summer which would help me get interested/some wider reading related to it. how would you guys recommend doing something for a-level econ as well

cgp to step up to a level books (idk if they do them for your subject) but they kinda bridge the gap between gcse and a level)
Reply 5
Original post by antique-prescrip
my school does AQA for a level history, specifically the crusades, the making of modern Britain and also tudor rebellions for our coursework. we also do aqa politics. Are there any books you guys would recommend in the summer which would help me get interested/some wider reading related to it. how would you guys recommend doing something for a-level econ as well

I do Making of Modern Britain, currently in Year 13 with the exam next week! I found that having watched lots of TV series and films about British history with family really helped me get an understanding of 20th century Britain.
Some that I would recommend are:
Call the Midwife
Trial of Christine Keeler
Billy Elliot
The Crown !!
Very British Scandal
Made in Dagenham
This one is non-fiction, but Andrew Marr's series 'Making of Modern Britain'
Quadrophenia
Small Island (I've only watched the recording of the theatre production, not the TV series so can't say anything about that)

Writing that out, I would say the Crown is probably the best, since it tracks through Britain since the war very nicely, with focuses on key events of the course such as the Suez Crisis.

I've never actually read any books about the period of Making of Modern Britain since I found that just watching all of these through my life provided me with a good foundational knowledge, and I've been getting top grades since Year 12. Good Luck!

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