Revision Memory Technique

Here you'll find a video of Derren Brown explaining the memory technique I have used with many classes in preparation for this summer's exams (Year 10 tried it today).

It's all about making multiple memory connections in your brain at the same time. Which is exactly the point of revision.

During revision we should be accessing the same information through a number of different mediums (ways) in order to create these multiple memory links in the brain.

Try it with your house, you route to school or even using the school building. It just has to be a route you know well.

Revision Tips and Tricks

As it is exam season I thought I would share some advice on how to revise and prepare for exams productively...

Revision Tips and Tricks on Prezi

Pob lwc!

Radio Abyssinia Report, 1936

Anchorman: "It's the 3rd October 1936 and your news for the day...

The Imperial power Italy has launched and invasion of Abyssinia. I'm here in the action reporting to you live as the story unravels.

Mussolini’s unprovoked attack comes just shortly after looming remilitarisation by fellow Fascists Germany in the Rhineland. Mussolini has consistently sought peaceful negotiations between Hitler and the larger European powers. It remains to be seen if this invasion sparks a sea-change in Italian foreign policy. Some reporters are also arguing that this is a warning message to Hitler.
Abyssinia is now likely to become another addition to Albania and Fiume as part of Mussolini’s growing empire. Although the east African nation may not be of huge significance, it could have some economic value to Italy as its lands are fertile and could be an area for population expansion.
Now over to our roving reporter to judge the reaction in the Italian capital – Rome...”

Reporter: “I’m here in the streets of Rome and talking to the people of Italy. There is a strong feeling here that Mussolini is restoring their national pride and spirit after the devastation of WW1. Even the Pope himself has supported what he described earlier today as a crusade against the ‘barbarians’ in Abyssinia. Ironically he appears to have overlooked Abyssinia’s history as one of the first kingdoms in the world to convert to Christianity.”

Anchorman: “So, what do Italians think they will gain from this attack?”

Reporter: “Well, you get the sense that this invasion is further strengthening the Italian nation and the Italian people have certainly become more fond and appreciative of the man they call ‘Il Duce’. There is a great sense of national pride. As I mentioned, many people here are describing this as a ‘holy war’, others a conquest to establish an Empire to rival Britain of France.”

Anchorman: “It is rumoured that this sudden invasion of one of the few independent countries left after the scramble for Africa, and a fellow League of Nations member, has led to a risk of Italy being thrown out of the League. With us in the studio today we have a representative from the government of Emperor Haile Salassi of Abyssinia. We are hearing reports of ruthless attacks against civilians, can you confirm or deny these rumours?

Representative: “Yes, we have significant evidence of the use of bombing and chemical weapons against civilians during this invasion.”

Anchorman: “Where these attacks have taken place?”

Representative: “The civilian attacks have mainly been focused on rural villages and Red Cross camps, in order to prevent much needed aid and medical care from reaching our forces.”

Anchorman: “Thank you for your time. Tune in later at 10 as we investigate the rise of Fascist Italy and assess the potential of their growing relationship with Nazi Germany. Good night."


 By Will & Doug

AS-Level Exam Dates - June 2012

Exam dates for AS-Level History - June 2012 are as follows:

• F962    European and World History Period Studies    1h 30 min    Tue    15 May am
• F963    British History Enquiries    1h 30 min    Tue    22 May pm

The Democracy and Dictatorship in Italy module is F962 on 15 May. 

The British studies paper is 22 May.

You will find a reading list, links to revision activities and useful websites on the AS-Level page of the Blog.

Year 10 and Year 12 individual blog-pages are now live.

I will be adding a further page for Year 11 over the next couple of days.

I've put links to the Exam Board website, student forums, revision resources and (most importantly) to the PREZI presentations that I use in class. All for you to access from anywhere.

Further updates will follow...

How to create a great prezi on Prezi

p.s. If you know of any good links for GCSE or A-level come and find me and I'll upload them to the blog.

How effective was Mussolini's consolidation of power?

A video by Y12 students.

Can you identify the Point, the Evidence and the Explanation in each section?

The Fresh Prince of Fascism

This is the story all about how,

My ideology got flipped upside down,

Take a minute, listen to the rhythm,

I'll tell y'all about how I created Fascism.

In north-west Italia born and raised,

As a socialist is how I spent most of my days,

Editing 'Avanti', being a fool,

Reading some Nietzsche outside of school.

When a couple of socialists said I was up to no good,

They kicked me out, really didn't think they should,

I supported one little war and they got scared,

So I went out and started Fascism instead.

I waited for an opportunity to appear,

The 'March on Rome' was all too clear,

If anything I could say that this chance was rare,

But I thought nah, forget it,

The government's unfair.

I pulled up to the senate 'bout seven or eight,

I yelled to the Pope, yo homes smell ya later,

I looked at my kingdom, I was finally there,

Fascism in power, and it'll stay there I swear!

Mads Banfield, Joe Glynn, George Sariak

New Navbar

You can now navigate between Key Stages on the navbar at the top of the blog - so you can quickly find what's relevant to you!