AS/A2 level

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AS/A2 level

Sessions for A-level students at Hampton Court Palace

Available programmes include history workshops, and study days in association with the National Archives 
A level students

History workshops at Hampton Court Palace


Covering all the relevant areas of the OCR, AQA and Edexcel A-level specifications, each session includes an in-depth tour of Hampton Court Palace and involves analysing the palace buildings and other relevant sources.

Available sessions: 



The rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey

  • AQA Unit 1 HIS1B
  • Edexcel Unit 2 Option A1
  • OCR Unit F961 Option A

This 2-hour session uses Hampton Court Palace as a source, as well as the sources in the booklet below, to discuss the different reasons why Thomas Wolsey fell from power.
The rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey
Source Booklet (PDF 448 KB):

The sources in this booklet show contemporary opinions of Wolsey, how the Cardinal presented himself both through his buildings and his clothes, and his relationship with Henry VIII. The sources can be used to explain why Wolsey was able to rise so high, and why he ultimately fell from grace.

Please note that if you book an A-level session with us at Hampton Court Palace all students will be given a copy of this source book and we will use it during the day

Teachers' Notes (PDF 34.7 KB) >


How to book >


Meet the Cardinal

  • AQA Unit 1 HIS1B
  • Edexcel Unit 2 Option A1
  • OCR Unit F961 Option A

Meet the CardinalStudents will have the opportunity to meet Cardinal Thomas Wolsey as he prepares to leave Hampton Court Palace as he has lost favour with the king. They will then be taken on a tour of the palace thinking about different aspects of Wolsey's period of office and then return to meet and question the Cardinal on any subject they wish.

Teachers' Notes (PDF 34.7KB) > 

How to book >


What was the driving force of the Reformation?

  • AQA Unit 2 HIS2B
  • Edexcel Unit 2 Option A1
  • OCR Unit F961 Option A
  • OCR Unit F966 Option A

This 2-hour session uses Hampton Court Palace as a source, as well as the sources in the booklet below, to discuss the different driving forces behind the Reformation. 

Henry VIII and the church of EnglandSource Booklet (PDF 1.08 MB): 

The sources in this booklet examine the different driving forces behind the Reformation - ranging from the wealth of the Roman Catholic Church (shown particularly by the wealth of Wolsey), Henry's desire for an heir, his infatuation with Anne Boleyn, and Henry's personal belief that he was appointed by God to care for his people's souls. Some of the sources can also be used to discuss who was in control of events during the Reformation years - was it Henry himself or was he swayed and persuaded by those close to him?

Please note that if you book an A-level session with us at Hampton Court Palace all students will be given a copy of this source book and we will use it during the day.

Teachers' Notes (PDF 35.3 KB) >

How to book >


Mid Tudor crisis

How stable was the monarchy during the Mid Tudor period? 

  • AQA Unit 3 HIS3B 
  • Edexcel Unit 3 Option A1
  • OCR History A Unit F961 Option A
  • OCR History A Unit F963 Option A
  • OCR History A Unit F965g
  • OCR History B Unit F981
  • OCR History B Unit F983

How stable was the monarchySource Book (PDF 36.9 KB) >

During this session, students investigate four different incidents which happened here at Hampton Court Palace during the Mid-Tudor period and decide what each tells us about the nature of power at the time. Students are then taken on a tour of the palace to see how Edward, Mary and Elizabeth used Hampton Court differently to Henry VIII and what we can deduce from this about their reigns.

Teachers' Notes (PDF 35.3 KB) >

How to book >


Details

All the above sessions run on Mondays and Tuesdays

Times by arrangement 
2 hours
£100 plus admission



'Mid-Tudor Crisis' study days with The National Archives


These study days allow students to develop the historical skills needed for source investigation and document paper studies. 

At the National Archives students investigate original documents that uncover the real state of the Nation during the reign of Mary I and debate whether or not the country was truly in crisis. At Hampton Court Palace those arguments are put to the ultimate test as students take on the role of Mary's councillors and get to put their questions and concerns to Mary I in person!

Teachers' Notes (PDF 36.1 KB) >

How to book >

Format and details
  

Duration:10.00 - 12.00 (The National Archives)
13.15 - 14.45 (Hampton Court Palace)

Dates available:
1 and 7 February unavailable
23 February unavailable
2 March unavailable

Price:
£10 per pupil (£190 minimum charge)
Minimum 2 adults per group.
Parking is available at both sites.


Resources 


Videos

Click here and look for the All about Henry interviews - 13 fascinating short video clips of academics and experts discussing a whole range of topics surrounding Henry VIII from his psychology to his love of architecture.


Articles

Follow this link to four interesting articles about Henry in his early years, Cardinal Wolsey and Katherine of Aragon.

The first four articles on this link trace the history of Hampton Court Palace the building from its earliest days through to Wolsey, Henry and the other Tudors.

Podcasts

Click here to download 3 different podcasts; a lecture from the eminent Tudor historian David Starkey, and two discussion events where leading historians discuss Henry's court and his legacy.


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