What were Cromwell’s main political and religious aims for the Commonwealth 1650-1660? This is the first online lesson National Archives Education department have ever created on Oliver Cromwell using the National Archives State Papers as evidence for a historical enquiry. The State Papers offer a wonderful glimpse into the world...

Perfect for use in schools – it is the Stuart era in 7 minutes! This lively animated film, narrated by comedian David Mitchell, is the perfect way to introduce both students and the wider public to this rich and complex period of British history. The Stuart era – which includes...

On the hunt for brilliant original sources to teach new history courses at GCSE? The National Archives Education Department has just produced a new themed collection of original documents on the age of Elizabeth I aimed at the new GCSE specifications in history published last year expanded to cover the...

If you have ever been lucky enough to teach in a classroom near the music department during a band rehearsal, you will know that feedback can be painful. The sensation of overwhelming noise drowns out all else, including rational thought. The ‘noise’ around any discussion of assessment and feedback can...

Congratulations to everyone who has received their AS and A-Level History results today! We hope you have got the grade you wanted, or at least the one you expected and that all that hard work and effort has paid off. To teachers we also offer our congratulations – another successful...

This edition’s theme, ‘Get Excited and Carry On’ arose in a memorable moment in our December editorial team meeting. We arrived at the meeting knowing that the challenges facing history teachers were legion. In England, these included the  huge tasks of planning for a new GCSE  and A Level, the...

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...