Plaques, place names and pubs

Jack Harris found that his pupils had little knowledge of Sir Harry Smith, the historical figure after whom their school was named, and who was commemorated in various ways in their local community. Researching Smith’s career and reputation, including his role in British colonialism, he uncovered varied interpretations. Harris worked with a local heritage professional to design a project in which Year 8 pupils used the local built environment and source material from the local museum to explore and explain the different ways in which this local ‘hero’ had been interpreted and remembered over time. Harris shares here the design and outcomes of the project, and how it was reshaped as a series of classroom lessons in which all pupils could participate...