Britain since 1930

A popular topic in the past has been Britain since 1930, which usually provides a focus upon World War II. It is possible to retain a study of World War II in Key Stage II provided that the unit of study either links to the locality, or shows how this was a turning point and draws links to knowledge that children have already developed. In this section you will find podcasts, articles and resources to help you plan to teach World War II as a local study or turning point in history.

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  • The Queen in procession

    Article

    Today’s children in reception and nursery were probably not born at the last jubilee and it is possible that they will not remember this one, nevertheless they will have the chance to be part of this historic occasion. If we help prepare them to understand what is going to happen...

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  • Happy and Glorious: exploring and celebrating the Platinum Jubilee

    Article

    History is full of significant royals, yet few seem quite so remarkable as Her Majesty the Queen. Since her birth in 1926, she has witnessed the tragedy of a world war, the decline of the British Empire and the birth of the Commonwealth of Nations. Not only is she the...

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  • Ten texts for the Platinum Jubilee

    Article

    With the Platinum Jubilee approaching later this year and celebrations planned for June 2022, here is a round-up of ten fiction and non-fiction books which will help you plan and find resources for your school celebrations...

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  • Back to basics: using artefacts in the classroom

    Article

    While most teachers recognise the importance of artefacts in history education, knowing how to use them effectively can often prove more challenging. This article suggests ways to investigate historical objects and provides a framework to support children’s observations. Why use artefacts?  Artefacts are simply any object used by people in...

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  • Scheme of work: Queen Elizabeth II

    Article

    Prior to completing this unit of work, it would be useful for the children to have started to develop an understanding of the substantive concepts of monarchy and royalty through their prior learning. Direct links can be made between studies of specific monarchs and their roles, as well as stories...

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  • Scheme of work: The Platinum Jubilee

    Article

    In this unit, children will learn about the significance of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee. They will look at the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from her role as Princess Elizabeth to her coronation and through to 2022, as a great-grandmother and the longest-reigning British monarch. The unit will help children...

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  • Women and space: reaching for the stars

    Article

    The exploration of the heavens has drawn mankind since the dawn of time. Vast monuments reached to the stars marked with astrological key points. Astronomers sought to understand the movement of the universe. Since the twentieth century however this investigation has moved into space itself, pioneered by restless and inquisitive souls...

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  • Promoting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage in your primary history curriculum

    Article

    It goes without saying that the events of Black Lives Matter have prompted many leaders and teachers to take a step back and reflect on their curriculum content and how effectively it reflects the diverse story of our islands. However, it is not just Black History that is requiring more prominence...

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  • Sporting legacy: the history of endeavour

    Article

    One of the highlights of 2021 for many people was getting up early over the summer and avidly watching events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics unfold: feats of bravery and endurance, heartbreak and celebration. It will, of course, enter the history books and the pub quiz questions, not least because...

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  • How to make a toy museum

    Article

    Making a museum in your setting or classroom is easy and children can learn all kinds of historical skills as well as developing their mark making and writing. Tees Valley Museums are a consortium of seven venues across the Tees Valley. Together they have created online support to develop a museum...

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  • Anniversary: Festival of Britain 1951

    Article

    The Festival of Britain was held 70 years ago. For many this provided a boost for the country after the deprivations of World War II and the economic struggles afterwards. It was designed to be educational and was held 100 years after the Great Exhibition. It was designed to show pride...

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  • Changes in an aspect of social history from 1945 to 2000: youth culture

    Article

    A history-themed topic based around music is a popular choice among many teachers and children. Music is after all a thread which runs through all of history, and one through which we can explore many other aspects of life in different times. It can be an exciting avenue into exploring...

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  • Census 2021: using the census in the history classroom

    Article

    As we approach the next census in March 2021, we are reminded of what a rich historical source the census is. For historians, using the census can shine a light on particular people and places – a snapshot in time. Big stories can be told through a sharp local lens...

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  • Belmont’s evacuee children: a local history project

    Article

    Teaching about World War II, particularly the home front, continues to be popular in primary schools, despite the government deciding not to include it as a compulsory subject in the new National Curriculum introduced in 2014. Many primary schools still choose to organise an evacuee experience of some kind for pupils...

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  • Fifty years ago we lost the need to know our twelve times tables

    Article

    In the first year of junior school, I was in Mrs Phillip’s class. She was one of those teachers who you remember, but, sadly not for good reasons. I was very frightened of Mrs Phillips and the worst part of every week was the tables test… forwards, backwards and questions...

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  • Take one day: undertaking an in-depth local enquiry

    Article

    Local history units of study provide teachers with valuable opportunities, but these can also seem daunting. Potential challenges for teachers include the perceived overwhelming scope of the topic, difficulties in developing subject knowledge and knowing where to find resources. However, none of these is insurmountable, if teachers identify a clear learning...

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  • Pull-out posters: Primary History 87

    Article

    ‘Twelve pennies make a shilling; twenty shillings make a pound’ - Could you manage old money? Examples of picture books

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  • Anniversaries: The Coventry Blitz and the Grave of the Unknown Soldier

    Article

    This Autumn we remember two events related to the impact of war and how people have reacted to them.  The first anniversary remembers the Nazi devastation of Coventry 80 years ago on 14 November 1940 and the second event relates to the body of the ‘Unknown warrior’ who was laid...

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  • One of my favourite history places: Studland Village

    Article

    Studland village is situated in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Purbeck is not an island in the normal sense of being surrounded by sea. However, it is surrounded by large hills to its north and has a coastline to its south, both of which cut it off from the...

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  • Scheme of work: Local history – the story of our High Street

    Article

    Teaching a unit that considers ‘changes within living times’ requires a focus that provides clear evidence of those changes. Children need to be able to identify specific differences as well as recognise relevant similarities. While we all still undertake shopping on a daily or weekly basis the processes involved in...

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