Last year I was lucky enough to visit some of the First World War battlefields in Belgium, alongside student primary teachers from the University of Cumbria and Leeds Trinity University. As well as confirming the benefits of field trips and introducing me to joint trips – something I can definitely...

In September 2015, the government called for evidence concerning continuing professional development for teachers. The Historical Association responded to this call for evidence. You can find our response here. On 12 July 2016, the Department for Education published a standard for teachers’ professional development and guidance for implementation. The standard...

This year's Write Your Own Historical Fiction competition has once again provided some work of an exceptional standard. Year upon year, we were not only astounded by the number of entries we receive, but also by the very high standard, which makes the judging process very difficult. This year, we...

Up and down the UK and parts of France, as well as across the world vigils will be held over the next 141 days for those that fought and were affected by the Battle of the Somme. It is typical for most nations to commemorate their victories and successes and...

Last month, Heathfield School in Wolverley were selected as the winners of the Exhibiting History competition, run by the HA as part of our Agincourt 600 projects. Their impressive exhibition and entry were selected from a high-quality field for the sophistication of their interpretation and engagement with different audiences. Neil...

In May the HA office uprooted and transferred to Harrogate – yes it was annual conference! Now historians can occasionally be accused of not being good with change and that might be why some were confused that we held it a week later than usual – but they weren’t as...

We are delighted to announce titles shortlisted for the 2016 Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction. The winning titles will be announced on Tuesday 28 June 2016 and the Awards Evening will be on Tuesday 5 July. Full details of the titles and reviews from our Quills schools will be...

New History curriculum sparks enthusiasm, but no funding to deliver it.  The HA regularly monitors the state of history provision in schools at both primary and secondary level. Our findings from the latest survey of primary teachers and primary schools reveals the key issue affecting delivery in schools is funding...

The Battle of the Somme in 1916, with the highest number of casualties ever experienced by the British army in one day, meant that it became on the of the most famous events of the First World War. Over the last 100 years that notoriety has meant that while its...

The ‘Young Quills' Award for Historical Fiction recognises the powerful role that fiction can have for introducing, informing and exciting young people about historical events, characters and places. The competition is for books that tell a story with a strong and accurate historical setting. There are two categories divided according...