Andrew Payne

Head of Education & OutreachThe National Archives

Unlocking The NationalArchives in the UK

Our Vision

• Lead and transform information management

• Guarantee the survival of today's information for tomorrow

• Bring history to life for everyone

When did you last annoy a teacher?

New Requirements for History

• investigate personal, family or local history in relation to a broader historical context

• appreciate the role of museums, galleries, archives and historic sites

• use ICT to research, process and present information about the past

History Programme of StudyQCA 2007

Where do teachers get source material?

In tests 48 out of 49 student teachers at Cambridge University

went straight to Wikipedia via Google

Context is everything…

Thinking critically should be taught in the context of subject matter…an important part of thinking like a historian is considering the source of a document – who wrote it, when and why. But teaching students to ask that question, independent of subject matter knowledge, won’t do much good.

Daniel T. Willingham Critical Thinking: Why is it so hard to teach?

American Educator Summer 2007

Key Principles of The National Archives

Education Service

Archives have the power to “Wow!”They bring History to life for children (and adults!)

Investigate, don’t illustrate! Use sources for enquiry-based investigations

Use key questions to drive the activity…Let the students provide the answers

How did Henry VIII get up in the morning?

Historians “rummage” through sourcesLet students direct their own investigation

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/worldwar2

Context is everything…So whole documents are essential

SP 16/488/25The Making of the United Kingdom

James Mason

Technology provides access and engagementBut never forget that historical enquiry is the purpose

Design for accessibility Don’t try to bolt it on afterwards

www.nationlarchives.gov.uk/education/prisoner4099

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers

       

A final thought… The Treaty of Paris 1783

Treaty of Paris 1783 – Article 7

Treaty of Paris 1783 – Article 7

And shall also order &

cause all Archives, Records, Deeds &

Papers belonging to any of the said States

or their Citizens which in the Course

of the Warring have fallen into the

Hands of his Officer to be forthwith

Returned and delivered to the proper States

and Person to whom they belong

Andrew PayneHead of EducationThe National Archives

andrew.payne@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

020 8392 5319

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education