European and World History

History

Primary

KS2 history starters with colour film of personal stories from WW2

This video features short clips of British and German film-makers' home movies taken during the second world war, which can be used as Key Stage 2 lesson starters. They're designed to encourage primary history pupils to think about the hardship that British and German children experienced during the second world war. The video includes people listening to the declaration of war on a Cornish beach, information on school life, gas masks and air-raid shelters, as well as the story of a woman's experience of the Blitz, which led to the death of her three siblings. Also see two children's account of the bombing of a German home, with footage filmed by their father.

Children in World War II

A practical and fun lesson for KS2 history

A Key Stage 2 teacher uses theatre boxes at the end of a history topic as a fun way for pupils to present and share their different research in this lesson idea. Tracey Anderson's Year 6 class have been learning about rationing in World War II. In the lead up to this lesson they've researched different forms of rationing, found pictures to help illustrate their theatre boxes, and have made characters out of dowling rods. During the lesson, they use these materials to turn their theatre boxes into realistic grocer's shops, pharmacies, petrol stations etc. Working in small groups, the children put their theatre boxes together, sticking on backdrops, and creating 3D features such as shop counters, clocks, and signs. Then write short scenes to act out.An important part of the research process is for each group to find out a secret fact to present to the rest of the class during their performance. Tracey believes that theatre boxes are a great way of bringing history to life for pupils, and a fun way for her to assess how much they've understood about a topic.

History - Theatre Boxes

We take a critical look at an unusual way of teaching history

In this programme, history expert Bernie Ashmore reviews the lesson of history teacher Graham Hicks, who uses the story of a fictional character to engage pupils. Hicks from Eastfield School in Middlesex has created the on-going tale of 'Wolfgang', a fictional German WWII soldier whose adventures are based upon real sources and real historical events. This inspiring approach to teaching combines literacy and history to help pupils grapple with the complexities of the past and improve their writing. Ashmore, who has previously observed Hicks' teaching , reviews footage of a lesson and gets to grips with some probing questions: <ul> <li>How effective is this approach?</li> <li>What about bias in taking the German point of view?</li> <li>What are the risks of mixing fact and fiction?</li> <li>Are pupils aware of which sources are authentic and which reconstructed?</li> <li>And how much does this method depend on a teachers' subject knowledge?</li> </ul>

KS1/2 History - Interpreting Wolfgang's Story

How fictional characters can be used to engage pupils in history

In this programme, we see how one Year 6 teacher in Middlesex has developed a fictional character to engage pupils in the learning of history. Graham Hicks from Eastfield School has created the on-going tale of 'Wolfgang', a fictional German WWII soldier whose adventures are based upon real sources and real historical events. Hicks' inspiring approach to teaching combines literacy and history to help pupils grapple with the complexities of the past and improve their writing. The story picks up when Wolfgang's regiment enter the Ukraine. Pupils hear about the soldiers' experiences, sample food, read Wolfgang's letters from home, and watch archive film and photographs. The pupils then ask questions and are set a writing task. Hicks explains his approach and provides advice on this kind of teaching whilst history consultant Bernie Ashmore observes the lesson.

KS1/2 History - Wolfgang's Story

     Year 4 pupils visit the British Museum to study Ancient Greece     

In this programme Year 4 pupils at St Lawrence Primary School, Feltham, enjoy a visit to the British Museum to coincide with the start of their study of Ancient Greece. Their teacher, Bernadette Solomon, believes the topic lends itself well to a cross-curricular approach, and that the visit inspires a whole range of classroom activities. Richard Woff, head of schools and young audiences education at the museum, runs a workshop on the visual clues found in Greek art, and how they tell a complex story through just one picture. Back in the classroom, the children consider modern artefacts and Bernadette uses her own storyboarding exercise to develop literacy skills. The pupils find out more on the web and their interest in the London Olympics reinforces ideas of cultural continuity, change and influence. For Richard, Ancient Greece has an enduring appeal for children and has natural links with citizenship, literacy and art. For Bernadette, using the museum as a starting point gives a whole new dimension to the way it can be taught.

Primary Cross Curricular - Ancient Greece: A Cross-Curricular Approach

    A look at strengthening the teaching of Ancient Greece     

Paul Clifford, the British Museum's e-learning resources officer, demonstrates how teaching about Ancient Greece can be strengthened with ICT activities and mathematics. Paul discusses the teaching with Bernadette Solomon, a Year 4 teacher at St Lawrence Primary School, Feltham. She reflects on her own scheme of work which includes a visit to the museum, which generates opportunities in English, art and citizenship. Richard Woff, head of schools and young audiences education at the British Museum, suggests that good planning and following natural links will get the best out of a cross- curricular topic like ancient Greece. Greek myths offer opportunities for literacy, strong citizenship and PSHE issues. Bernadette continues to be inspired by the wealth of curriculum links on offer and the interactive resources available.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

Subjects

> Primary History

> European and World History

Children in World War II

History - Theatre Boxes

KS1/2 History - Interpreting Wolfgang's Story

KS1/2 History - Wolfgang's Story

Primary Cross Curricular - Ancient Greece: A Cross-Curricular Approach

Primary Cross Curricular - Ancient Greece: Planning a Scheme of Work