Promoting the subject

This section aims to provide guidance for teachers wishing to promote the subject of history to pupils, parents, other teachers, governors and members of the local community.

History teachers often find themselves having to promote and even market their subject to a variety of audiences, such as:

• young people and their parents
• senior management and other colleagues in schools
• governors and other members of the local community
• people outside schools, who have their own perceptions of what the subject is about.

The reasons for promoting history include:

• informing others of what the subject is about
• helping others to understand the distinctive contribution history makes to young peoples' lives and learning
• helping others to understand your approach to teaching and learning in the subject
• celebrating young peoples' achievements in the subject.

The method and the message are important when addressing these different purposes and audiences. By promoting the subject and the celebrating the successes in teaching and learning history, teachers also help to create pride within a school.

This section provides ideas for teachers on ways to exploit the potential for promoting history.

Examples of ideas for promoting history are currently being collected. If you have a good example, submit it for possible inclusion.

The Historical Associationhas produced a pack formarketing history to year 9 pupils entitled 'Choosing History at 14'. Further details can be obtained from the Historical Association's website.