Each school will have its individual story to tell and the following prompts may help children and their teachers discover more.
Oral History
Who are the key people in school today to interview about our school history?
Longest serving teachers/other members of staff
Parents/grandparents or other members of the community who attended the school in the past
Who are the key people at church to interview about our school history?
Vicar/church wardens and long-serving church members
Parents/grandparents or other members of the church community who attended the school in the past or knew staff at the school
Interview them and record their stories – a multi-media method, perhaps.
Archive History
School log books (these may be in school or older ones held by the local authority)
Parish records in church
Records from local charities/groups/diocesan office archive/National Society (for help with searching the NS archives, click here)
Local record Office (usually in county or metropolitain borough) has files on schools and parishes
Library books from local historians who have completed research in the past
Artefacts/ photographs in school or church
Local walk to search for clues (plaques, dates, inscriptions on walls or buildings) – take digital photographs
(for those with access) National Archives at Kew has files on all schools (for help click here)
St Mary’s Primary school in Pulborough is researching it’s history and planning a big celebration day in June
The National School, Hucknall has researched its history and linked it to local and national historical events. Click here to see what they’ve discovered and to give you ideas for finding out about your school.
The archive microsite for Blackheath Bluecoat Church of England School, Greenwich, which you can see by clicking here charts the school’s history from 1700 to the present day in an informative, interesting and visual way.
The Piggott School, Wargrave was built in 1939 and opened in 1940. The head has sent some photos taken by Tim Hodges, and a brief history of the school compiled to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
Research your school’s history
Oral History
Who are the key people in school today to interview about our school history?
Who are the key people at church to interview about our school history?
Interview them and record their stories – a multi-media method, perhaps.
Archive History
St Mary’s Primary school in Pulborough is researching it’s history and planning a big celebration day in June
The National School, Hucknall has researched its history and linked it to local and national historical events. Click here to see what they’ve discovered and to give you ideas for finding out about your school.
The archive microsite for Blackheath Bluecoat Church of England School, Greenwich, which you can see by clicking here charts the school’s history from 1700 to the present day in an informative, interesting and visual way.
The Piggott School, Wargrave was built in 1939 and opened in 1940. The head has sent some photos taken by Tim Hodges, and a brief history of the school compiled to celebrate its 70th anniversary.