History is one of the subjects where I am still figuring out what resources we are going to use. I think I am possibly taking so much longer with History because I know how important it is to my daughter and I want to make sure we get her the best resources possible and we are also still debating some of the topics. However we gave decided on one of the topics – The Cold War and throughout her KS3 years (year 7, year 8 and year 9) she used student books written by Aaron Wilkes which she absolutely loved so when I spotted this Superpower relations and the Cold War 1941 – 1991 edited by Aaron Wilkes I immediately thought it could be our starting point while I find resources for her other History topics.

First impressions after just paging through the book when it arrived – I immediately liked the page layout. They have used interesting photographs, diagrams and cartoons, the information is broken down into manageable paragraphs (I never turned to a page and thought wow, that is too much on one page) and they use blocks to direct your attention to key points or questions. Really a great page layout, interesting and inviting and NOT overwhelming for this stage.

Every double page has either a source or an interpretation included on it (this is brilliant as the kids need as much practice as possible learning how to understand and interpret both sources and interpretations). They also include a purple box called Work – these are questions aimed at developing the kids understanding of the topic on the double page. Then depending on what is covered on that double page you may also get extra boxes. The Meanwhile box – links you to what is happening elsewhere in the world, the Later on and Earlier on boxes link it to other years, The Exam style box – are questions created to help you practice your exam skills and the little Nail It box gives you tips and advice on how to answer those questions.

There are also three double pages scattered through the book that deal with specific exam type questions – How to answer a consequence questions, How to write a narrative account and How to deal with those Explain the following Two questions. I think these pages are going to be like gold.

We are only going to start using this in September but I already like the format and it does remind me of her KS3 History book which she loved, so I am optimistic that we are going to enjoy using this one.

You can get the GCSE Edexcel History books directly from Oxford University Press (link – Superpower relations and the Cold War 1941 – 1991) and you can also buy them from Amazon – Superpower relations and the Cold War .

I will write an update post once we have used it and I can give her feedback.

Admin – We asked Oxford University Press for a review copy of this book and they kindly gave us a copy. We were NOT paid for this post. I do include Affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and go on to purchase that product, I will be paid a very small commission, however your cost will remain the same. I only include affiliate links for products that we use and love.