Exploring the rich world of the Maya, Aztec and Inca in KS3 History
Laura Aitken-Burt explores the fascinating societies of the Maya, Aztec and Inca and how you can integrate teaching this exciting topic into your KS3 teaching. Read More
History
The Long Shadow of Suffocating Injustice
As the third anniversary of the murder of George Floyd arrives this week, thoughts will turn to how to use his story in assemblies and lessons about racial justice and the role of the police. Fundamentally, we need to encourage students to explore questions about the wider context of his… Read More
Black British History – Hidden faces, important stories
Black people have played key roles in shaping British history for centuries, but all too often their stories and contributions have been forgotten or overlooked. To mark Local History Month, we are highlighting some of the incredible people included in our Black British History KS3 Teacher Resource Pack… Read More
Beyond the traditional boycott narrative – time for change, action not words
In December 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat when asked. All the other Black people on the bus complied but she did not. The image of a quiet respectable old lady sits comfortably in the collective popular imagination of the civil rights movement. This simple narrative… Read More
Global history broadens horizons
Laura Aitken-Burt, co-author of Knowing History second edition, explains the importance of teaching global history to your students, and how you can integrate this into your KS3 curriculum. Why is it crucial that all students learn about global history? History should be about broadening horizons, widening perspectives and giving… Read More
When was the golden age of medicine?
Someone in my village recently went into hospital for a life-changing operation. She had a knee replacement and she can now drive and walk quite a way, which she couldn’t do before. Such operations are now routine and usually very safe – this is her second knee replacement! But has… Read More
The Victorians: tough on crime
Oliver Twist’s crime was to ask for a second bowl of gruel in the workhouse. He was severely punished for his sins. Although Oliver Twist is a fictional character, any local newspaper from the time will reveal many similar cases that really happened. Read More
King Alfred’s cakes – legend or fact?
Everyone knows the story of King Alfred burning the cakes. Well, perhaps not. Let me tell you…. Read More
Neolithic Know-How: Great Langdale Axes
About a quarter of all stone axes studied by experts come from the Langdale Valley. Why is this? And how did they get from Langdale to their destination? Some of the axes are worn, showing they have had a lot of use. Some are brand new, well-polished, obviously highly-valued, yet seem to have been deposited in water, perhaps as an offering to the Gods. Read More
Who Discovered America?
'In fourteen hundred and ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue' ... and discovered America. Or did he? Read More