Building a local history and geography toolkit

Primary CPD in partnership with the Geographical Association

Published: 30th March 2026

22 May 2026

Book Now

In person: Historical Association, 59a Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4JH

The Curriculum and Assessment Review places emphasis on fieldwork in geography and learning about events through local history. This does not need to mean expensive trips to specific sites. There is a great deal to be learned on your own doorstep. Using Kennington as an example, this in person session will provide primary history and geography teachers with a toolkit of knowledge, resources and practical activities that will help you to build effective local history and geography fieldwork enquiries for your children. You will be getting out and about within a short distance of the venue with your course leaders for parts of the session, so please wear comfortable shoes and an umbrella in case of bad weather.

  • Why should I take part in this course?

    The Curriculum and Assessment Review places emphasis on fieldwork in geography and learning about events through local history. Fieldwork can feel daunting until you equip yourself with a good set of approaches and activities that can support learning in geography. Local history is also something that primary teachers consistently tell us they need support with in order to carry out effectively with pupils. From ensuring that your planning uses the local to reveal the bigger picture, to planning effective enquiries, to knowing where to find sources to support your local history, this session will provide you with a toolkit.

  • What is the programme for the day?

    The course takes place in person at the Historical Association, 59a Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4JH on 22 May 2026.

    Programme

    9.30–10.00:

    Welcome and introductions with tea and coffee

    10.00-12.00:

    Engaging and empowering pupils through Geography fieldwork

    Investigating the geography of your school’s local neighbourhood is purposeful, manageable and provides concrete experiences for pupils to use when learning about other localities. The practical session will explore a range of geographical fieldwork approaches and techniques which combine to empower teachers to enable their pupils to make effective observations, measurements and recordings of place.

    12.00–12.30:

    Lunch break (Lunch included)

    12.30–14.30:

    The power of Local History, linking sources and investigation

    This practical session with introduce a range of sources that can be used to stimulate or extend a local history study, suggesting where to find them and how to use them. It will include an exploration of the immediate area considering techniques that can be used in practical fieldwork that can be carried out in most urban localities. It will present ideas for how to use these elements to create a meaningful investigating of pupils’ own historical environment.

    14.30–15.00:

    Final thoughts and close



  • What are the learning outcomes?

    This course will enable you to:

    • • Consider a range of sources that can be used to explore local history and a range of activities that can be carried out as part of local geography fieldwork.
    • • Develop understanding of how to create meaningful and targeted local history and geography enquiry investigations.

  • What does it cost?

    The course is charged at £200 for HA or GA members and £250 for non-members. 

    Lunch is included in the price. 

    To access the member price please provide your membership number when prompted. You must have a valid membership at the time of booking and attending the course.

    Did you know? It costs only £3 more to become an HA member and access your tickets at the membership rate, in addition to a range of other benefits all year round. Find out more about Primary membership.

  • How do I take part?

    The course will take place in person at the Historical Association, 59a Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4JH.

    Book Now

    (Registration is via Cademy which opens in a new window. please read the HA CPD terms and conditions before registering)

    Please ensure that you register before the closing date: 19 May 2026

For any enquiries, please contact events@history.org.uk. Please read the HA CPD terms and conditions before registering.

What participants have said about previous CPD from the HA & GA:

"I always find History and Geography CPD so valuable - questions are answered, resources provided, practical examples linked to National Curriculum statements. I always come away with so many ideas that I want to feed back."

"We are currently reviewing our existing offer and introducing more effective assessment. The course helped hugely in this aim!"

"Very informative and practical advice."

"Every session was really valuable and thought provoking."

"Really valuable take-aways. Great for subject leads in History and Geography."