Webinar series: Embedding historical knowledge through story

HA webinar series for primary teachers, history subject leaders and senior leaders

Published: 30th June 2026

What does this series cover?

Stories can sometimes be seen as a frivolous indulgence in an already crowded lesson. But the evidence is clear: the power of a well-told story in a history lesson for world building and knowledge acquisition should not be underestimated. When a story is expertly delivered, a student is in a ‘heightened state of attention’, anticipating the promise of the storyteller’s next utterance. That condition of attention helps the teacher to embed new knowledge, supporting a child to build on their existing knowledge. It is why scientists affirm that story, as a form of knowledge building, is ‘psychologically privileged.’

  • How is the series structured and delivered?

    The series consists of three webinars. We recommend watching live on the dates listed below. Recordings will also be available to booked delegates until the end of the term and made available on the website in due course.

    What is story and why is it so powerful in any learning?
    Tuesday 3 November, 4pm–5pm

    Where does ‘story’ appear in the primary history curriculum?
    Tuesday 17 November, 4pm–5pm

    How can I get better at historical storytelling?
    Tuesday 1 December, 4pm–5pm

  • What is the focus of each webinar?

    What is story and why is it so powerful in any learning?
    Tuesday 3 November, 4pm–5pm

    • • What do we mean by story and when does information become narrative?
    • • Why is story ‘psychologically privileged’?
    • • Why is a heightened state of attention so important for knowledge building?

    Where does ‘story’ appear in the primary history curriculum?
    Tuesday 17 November, 4pm–5pm

    • • Looking for opportunities to embed knowledge through story
    • • Story in history is both the thing studied and the way in which history and archaeology establish claims – using examples from David Olusoga and Mary Beard
    • • How are KS1 and KS2 similar and different when it comes to storytelling?
    • • Looking for opportunities beyond history – geography, science, religion…

    How can I get better at historical storytelling?
    Tuesday 1 December, 4pm–5pm

    • • How to set a scene without rushing to the punchline
    • • How to teach new vocabulary through story without overloading pupils
    • • How to build in the effective use of pace, volume, gestures and heralding what will eventually happen
    • • How to overcome the fear of ‘clock-watching’ in a lesson to allow you to slow down and enjoy storytelling

  • Who is the series for?

    The webinars are aimed at anyone who teaches in a primary school, especially history subject leaders, including senior leaders (teaching and curriculum). It will focus on teaching at Key Stages 1 and 2.

  • What are the learning outcomes?

    This webinar series will enable you to understand:

    • • when information becomes ‘story’
    • • why stories are so powerful in any learning
    • • where stories crop up in the history curriculum and in lessons
    • • how to get better at storytelling

  • Who is leading the series?

    Steve Mastin worked as a teacher for 20 years in state schools across England, then as a senior curriculum leader across primary and secondary schools in a multi-academy trust. He has also helped train teachers for the University of Cambridge and around the world. He is a Historical Association trustee and member of our primary committee working to develop history teaching in primary schools.

    Meet our CPD presenters

  • What does it cost?

    Number of webinars booked

     

    HA Member ticket

     

    Non-member ticket

    1 webinar

    £41

    £70

    3 webinars

    £123

    £210

    All prices are listed inclusive of VAT. Please note that Cademy will charge an additional fee if payment is made by card rather than invoice.

    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. All webinars in this series are eligible for the corporate member free offer.

    Did you know? If booking more than one webinar, it is cheaper to become an HA member and access your tickets at the membership rate, plus a range of other benefits all year round. Find out more about Primary membership.

  • How do I take part?

    The webinars will take place online over Zoom. While we strongly recommend participating live, if you are unable to attend for any reason a recording link will be made available. This will be emailed to all registered participants to access for a limited period until the end of the term.

    To book for multiple webinars or request an invoice, please complete the form below.

    If you have missed a session, a recording can be accessed using the form. You will be emailed an invoice for the cost of the recording(s) and a time-limited link to access the webinar recording on Zoom.

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

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