ITE Session: Raising the Profile of Irish History

This session is for student teachers/trainees preparing to teach KS2 history curriculum 'Victorian Britain'. Student teachers/trainees can adapt their thinking to meet the needs of younger or older KS2 pupils. The session concentrates on the historical skills of chronology, and using and interpreting evidence, including through role play. The session is accompanied by a wealth of resources.

This session aims to:

• Redress the marginalisation of the history of the largest minority ethnic group in England through a focus on Ireland in the mid nineteenth century.
• Consider with student teachers/trainees how to approach to issues in the contemporary world such as social justice,  racist stereotypes, official and charitable responses to natural disaster, and forced emigration, starting with an historical event.
  

The two and a half hour session develops student teachers’/trainees' confidence and understanding of how to develop their own units of work within foundation history, with a particular focus on including minority histories. There is a cross curricular focus on aspects of citizenship (challenging stereotypes; celebrating minority cultures and histories). Student teachers/trainees are encouraged to incorporate art, music and drama in their planning through considering a scheme of work which was taught to a Year 3 class.The session works best with a group of under 30 subdivided into smaller groups.

Hilary Claire
London Metropolitan University