Hardenhuish School
‘A High Performing Specialist Academy’
AS Level History
Induction Tasks
Introduction:
Hello! And thanks for choosing to apply for History A-Level!
During your AS level studies you will focus on two key topics:

‘Russia in Turmoil’ – a knowledge-based essay paper which focusses on
Russia in the early twentieth century and the impact of the Tsar on his
people and the enormous changes that the revolutionary groups brought
about.
AND…

‘The Impact of War on British Society and Politics since 1900’ – which is a
source-based paper focusing on a number of key conflicts in the twentieth
century and how these have impacted upon various elements of society and
government.
To get you into the swing of things we’ve put together two useful and really
important summer tasks which you will need to bring completed to your first lesson
in September. It’s ESSENTIAL that you complete these tasks otherwise you’ll start
the year behind everyone else which won’t give the best impression of your
commitment to the course!
When you begin the course in September you will be given core text books and
extensive reading lists. However, one book that’s really great to get you started in
the Russia course is “A People’s Tragedy: The Russian Revolution, 1891-1924”
by Orlando Figes. Don’t be put off by its size, you can dip in and out and find great
stories and information without necessarily having to read it all!
Year 12 History teachers will include: Miss Clements (Curriculum Leader for
History), Mr Green, Mrs Simson, Mr Kelly and Mr Clarke. We look forward to seeing
you in a few weeks!
Task 1:
Russia in Turmoil
Read the “summer reading” extracts to get a flavour of Russia in the period 18811914 and make detailed notes under the headings below…






The importance of the Tsar to Russia
Life of the peasants
How modern Russia is from the extracts
Autocracy (Tsar ruling alone with unlimited power)
Popularity of the Tsars
Industrialisation
Additional:
It is important that you use the reading which we’ve provided here to do this task.
However, you can also add to this by researching these topics using books and the
internet etc.
Due:
Please bring all of the completed work to your first History lesson in September
where you will use your newly acquired knowledge in our infamous ‘Russia Quiz’!
If you have any queries regarding the task set please contact:
Set by:
Miss Clements – hcc@hardenhuish.wilts.sch.uk
Expected Time
You should expect to spend about 2 hours on this task as a minimum.
Commitment:
Romanov Family Coat of Arms
Task 2:
The Impact of War on British Society and Politics Since 1900
During this course you will be studying a series of twentieth century wars/conflicts
including:








Anglo-Boer War 1899–1902
World war one
World war two
The Cold War
The Falkland’s war
The troubles in Ireland
The Gulf Wars
The war on terror
It is essential that you have a clear knowledge of these conflicts and how they
happened, the course of each war, how they ended and the impact they had.
Please select 4 from the list above and research them by making notes on each of
the following headings…




Causes
The course of the war - what happened during it?
End – how the war/conflict come to an end?
Impact – social (i.e. on people), political and cultural
You could make a large table along these lines…
Your choice 1
Your choice 2
Your choice 3
Your choice 4
Causes
Course
End
Impact
Good luck!
Additional:
You should research these topics using books from home or a library and the
internet etc.
Due:
Please bring all of the completed work to your first History lesson in September
where you will be tested on your newly acquired knowledge through group
discussion.
Set by:
If you have any queries regarding the task set please contact:
Miss Clements - hcc@hardenhuish.wilts.sch.uk
Expected Time
Commitment:
You should expect to spend about 2 hours on this task as a minimum.