How to Lead it: Primary History
Published on 11. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-1-80199-691-4 (ISBN)
Description
Finding it hard to know what to prioritise as subject lead or how to work out which research is relevant and how it applies to your subject? The How to Lead It series are the go-to guides for primary subject leads in schools and trusts. In them you will find:
- clear summaries of relevant research and thinking around best practice
- age-specific and inclusive classroom examples
- case studies
- reflective questions
- suggestions for short PD sessions with colleagues
Everything in the book is applied thoughtfully to the specific subject area of history. These books enable busy subject leaders to confidently make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula.
All the key elements of the primary history curriculum are explored including curriculum design, assessment, storytelling, vocabulary, oracy and historical enquiry as well as support on how to approach research and a step-by-step guide to creating your own implementation plan for your school's context and needs.
- clear summaries of relevant research and thinking around best practice
- age-specific and inclusive classroom examples
- case studies
- reflective questions
- suggestions for short PD sessions with colleagues
Everything in the book is applied thoughtfully to the specific subject area of history. These books enable busy subject leaders to confidently make good decisions for effective teaching and impactful curricula.
All the key elements of the primary history curriculum are explored including curriculum design, assessment, storytelling, vocabulary, oracy and historical enquiry as well as support on how to approach research and a step-by-step guide to creating your own implementation plan for your school's context and needs.
Reviews / Votes
The perennial challenge for primary leaders is supporting colleagues to teach everything well-often without specialist training or time. This series meets that challenge head on. It's full of evidence-based strategies that will help leaders to build powerful, knowledge-rich curriculums and teaching practices in a range of subjects. -- Daisy Christodoulou * Director of Education, No More Marking * Grounded in rich academic thinking and practical wisdom, How to Lead It: Primary History deftly balances theory with actionable advice. I was particularly struck by its clarity on substantive and disciplinary knowledge, its challenge to common misconceptions and its relentless focus on history's purpose in the curriculum. The chapter on storytelling is a real highlight - a powerful reminder of how narrative can bring history to life and deepen pupils' understanding of the past. A vital companion for curriculum leaders who want to champion ambitious, inclusive and knowledge-rich history. * Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education, Tedd Wragg Trust * Alex's book is a practical, inspiring guide for leading primary history. It empowers teachers and leaders to build an inclusive, knowledge-rich curriculum that will transform pupils' understanding of the past. -- Sonia Thompson * Headteacher/Director of St Matthew's Research School - @son1bun *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Primary & secondary/elementary & high school
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
222 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80199-691-4 (9781801996914)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Alex Pethick is an experienced teacher, with over 10 years of senior leadership experience. She is also currently the Director of Curriculum for the Knowledge Schools Trust Primaries; she supports headteachers, subject leaders and teachers nationally and internationally with curriculum development and improving teaching & learning. Follow Alex @alexpethickPKC.
Series editor Jon Hutchinson is Director of Curriculum and Teacher Development at the Reach Foundation. Prior to this, Jon was a primary school teacher, A level religious studies teacher, and assistant headteacher at Reach Academy Feltham. Jon was also a Visiting Fellow with Ambition Institute, tutoring on a Master's in Expert Teaching programme. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jon was a founding member of Oak National Academy, leading the primary humanities curriculum. He has acted as an expert adviser to the DfE on various groups, including as a member of the core group which developed the Early Career Framework. Jon has written several chapters in educational books, is regularly published by the TES, Schools Week and Teach Primary, and is currently writing two books on education. Follow Jon @jon_hutchinson_.
Series editor Jon Hutchinson is Director of Curriculum and Teacher Development at the Reach Foundation. Prior to this, Jon was a primary school teacher, A level religious studies teacher, and assistant headteacher at Reach Academy Feltham. Jon was also a Visiting Fellow with Ambition Institute, tutoring on a Master's in Expert Teaching programme. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jon was a founding member of Oak National Academy, leading the primary humanities curriculum. He has acted as an expert adviser to the DfE on various groups, including as a member of the core group which developed the Early Career Framework. Jon has written several chapters in educational books, is regularly published by the TES, Schools Week and Teach Primary, and is currently writing two books on education. Follow Jon @jon_hutchinson_.
Content
1. Leading history
2. Getting the best from research evidence
3. Substantive and disciplinary knowledge in history
4. Curriculum design
5. Historical enquiry
6. Narratives and storytelling
7. Disciplinary literacy
8. Progression and assessment in history
9. Implementing change
2. Getting the best from research evidence
3. Substantive and disciplinary knowledge in history
4. Curriculum design
5. Historical enquiry
6. Narratives and storytelling
7. Disciplinary literacy
8. Progression and assessment in history
9. Implementing change