Webinar series: Improving outcomes in GCSE History: rich and authentic encounters with the past at Key Stage 4

HA webinar series for secondary history teachers and subject leaders

Published: 23rd June 2026

Under pressure to increase student attainment at GCSE but hesitant about what that might look like? Struggling to make a content-heavy course accessible to all learners? In this webinar series, Ed Durbin will take a fresh look at approaches to teaching GCSE History. With all eyes on the new specifications coming over the horizons, it could be easy to forget what’s right under our noses: several cohorts of young people taking their GCSE qualification under the often-maligned 2016 specifications.

Across five sessions, Ed will explore strategies for raising attainment for all students at GCSE, with a particular focus on vulnerable learners. The webinar series will make the argument that improved outcomes happen because of – not despite of or instead of – a disciplinarily rich and authentic history curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11. The series will be invaluable for teachers who want to improve their teaching of the current GCSE specifications or to plan strategically for their teaching of the new ones.

  • How is the series structured and delivered?

    The series consists of 5 webinars. We recommend watching live on the dates below. Recordings will also be made available to booked delegates until the end of the term.

    Session 1: Layers of knowledge (FREE for HA members)
    Tuesday 29 September, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    Session 2: Making knowledge stick
    Tuesday 13 October, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    Session 3: Chronological, substantive and historiographical architecture
    Tuesday 3 November, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    Session 4: Explaining
    Tuesday 17 November, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    Session 5: Sources and interpretations
    Tuesday 1 December, 4.30pm–5.30pm

  • What does each session cover?

    Session 1: Layers of knowledge (FREE for HA members)
    Tuesday 29 September, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    In this first session, we will explore the layers of knowledge that underpin successful performance at GCSE and examine why this approach can be more effective at improving outcomes than a steady diet of exam question practice.

    Session 2: Making knowledge stick
    Tuesday 13 October, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    In this session, we will engage with the thorny problem of “too much content” and explore ways in which GCSE History can be made more accessible and memorable.

    Session 3: Chronological, substantive and historiographical architecture
    Tuesday 3 November, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    In this session, we will look at ways in which teachers can help their students develop knowledge of the overarching structures of their GCSE topics.

    Session 4: Explaining
    Tuesday 17 November, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    In this session, we grapple with the valued currency of many GCSE mark schemes – the explained point. We will reflect on the limitations of generic approaches like PEE and consider a more effective strategy for helping students explain change, cause and consequence.

    Session 5: Sources and interpretations
    Tuesday 1 December, 4.30pm–5.30pm

    In this final session, we will attempt to tackle the problems arising from the treatment of the historical method in the current GCSE specifications. We will pull apart the ubiquitous “How useful are these sources…?” question and consider ways to prepare students to approach these questions with confidence.

  • Who is the series for?

    The series is for anyone who teaches or leads GCSE history, from early career to experienced teachers.

  • What are the learning outcomes?

    This webinar series will enable you to:

    • Revive your teaching of the current GCSE specifications – whichever you currently teach
    • Prepare for the introduction of the new GCSE specifications
    • Embed strategies to raise attainment in GCSE History

  • Who is leading the series?

    Ed Durbin is Lead Practitioner in History at Yate Academy, a secondary school in South Gloucestershire, and the Curriculum Network Lead for History for the Greenshaw Learning Trust. He is also one of the mentors for our History Teacher Development Programme.

    Meet our CPD presenters

  • What does it cost?

    Number of webinars booked

     

    HA Member ticket

     

    Non-member ticket

    1 webinar

    £41

    £70

    5 webinars

    £150

    £311

    All prices are listed inclusive of VAT. Any webinar booked individually on Cademy will incur an additional fee.

    Did you know? Session 1 is free for HA members. If booking more than one webinar, it is also 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 Secondary membership.


    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.

  • 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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Image: Southeast prospect of Bristol, 1673, public domain (credit: Society of Merchant Venturers)