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
020 8392 5319
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education