History Objectives

The objective is to consider questions of educational principle and practice such as:

In general terms, what historical subjects should pupils have studied at each of the Key Stages? How can teachers best teach ‘the big picture’?

What role, if any, does History have in helping young people to develop a sense of shared social and political values and informed citizenship?

What kinds of teaching are most likely to develop in pupils a capacity for independent critical thinking combined with intellectual rigour?

What constitutes a good textbook – and a bad one? Are current needs for teaching resources being met? If not, how can they be?

What are the best ways to approach the teaching of difficult topics and materials so as to make them enjoyable and rewarding for all pupils, whatever their background and ability?

What is the relationship of History to individual identity and, beyond that, to national identity?