Personal Statement - History 1ab

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The concept of pulling apart our past, exploring it in depth and analysing the evidence, along with my passion for the subject are my main reasons for wanting to study History at a higher level. I relish the ways in which we as historians can relate the past to our future, learn from our mistakes, and build upon our successes. In my opinion both the past and the present are glued together in a way that is inseparable. From studying History at your institution I then plan to take my experience to another level by completing a teaching course, which would thus enable students to share my zeal.

In essence, history has shaped my upbringing. My curiosity has grown from childhood visits to places such as Jerusalem, walks along Hadrian's Wall as well as discovering my own local history. It pleases me to think that through taking my studies to a higher level that, in the future, I can enable other people to share the passion that I do.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

I strongly feel that the A-levels I study hold a number of different attributes in aiding the study of History at a higher level. My History coursework, based on the influence of Anne Boleyn in the Henrician Reformation, has certainly challenged me; however being analytical and evaluative has taught me that things are not always how they appear on the surface. Along with my coursework, studying the reign of Peter the Great alongside the Tudor monarchs has enabled me to understand the contrasting minds of figures from the past, and contemplate the consequences of thought as opposed to action.

However, it was AS History from which I gained the most. In retrospect I feel that I have grown immensely as a person through both ability and maturity, and I believe that I can only grow more. I tend to allow my historical studies to stray from the classroom however by broadening my knowledge with numerous books; I find Alison Weir, Eric Ives and David Starkey to be highly engaging.

While thinking as a historian, and applying skills I have obtained in my History lessons to other subjects such as English, I have discerned that in obtaining an answer, one must read between the lines. Furthermore, my exposure to renowned author Thomas Hardy has cemented the fact that opinions have changed immensely over the years. In addition, the Performance Studies and Dance courses offer more than just presentation skills: both my physical and mental strengths have prospered. Also, by studying John Godber and Lloyd Newsom, I have discovered that everyone within the world has, and has had, similar wants and needs.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Although my academic life is paramount, I have still found time to involve myself in numerous extra-curricular activities, the majority of these dealing with the younger members of the school. This year I am aiming towards the 'Arts Award' at gold level; to gain this I have to give something back to the community. I ran a lunchtime art-club for year seven pupils, and devised a concert in aid of raising funds for the school. This has enabled me to strengthen my ability as a leader. Taking on the responsibility of twenty eleven year olds was not easy, but in the long run has made me a more trustworthy and respectable character in others' eyes.

I have also been able to transfer my skills gained in participating in the 'Arts Award' into becoming a school Peer Mentor. I have regularly met with younger students, many of whom with learning difficulties and other problems to merely chat and be a friend. Although the concept of being a role-model was daunting for me, my eyes have been opened to the bigger picture of society and my respect for others heightened. By being a Peer Mentor I have gained admiration both by students and teachers within the school.

Also, in Year 12 I helped teach Sex Education through the 'APAUSE' scheme, from this I have learned to deal with strong issues more productively and efficiently. Along with this, I have certainly increased my self-discipline and motivation.

Universities applied to:

• Leicester
• Hull
• Edinburgh
• Reading
• Roehampton

Grades achieved:

• GCSE Results: BBBBBBBBCCC
• AS Results: BCCDD (ABBC After resits)
• A2 Results: ABBC

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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