Wolfgang's story
Description
There's nothing like a good story to engage pupils. This inspiring approach to WW2 shows a Year 6 teacher using novel historical techniques to help pupils grapple with the complexities of the past and improve their writing. Graham Hicks at Eastfield School in Middlesex combines literacy and history to tell the on-going story of Wolfgang, a fictional German soldier. He weaves the story around authentic historical sources and events, building a complex picture of the past. The story picks up when Wolfgang's regiment enter the Ukraine. Pupils hear about the soldiers experiences, sample food, read Wolfgang's letters from home, and watch archive film and photographs. Graham then takes pupils questions in role before setting them a writing task. Graham Hicks explains his approach and passes on tips for this kind of teaching. History consultant Bernie Ashmore observes the lesson to gauge the effect on learning and considers the strengths and risks of this approach.
Runtime
14 min
Series
Subjects
Geography
Genre
Date of Publication
2006
Database
Alexander Street
Direct Link
Similar Films
Expert analysis
Children in World War II
Making history. Episode 26
Local history
Making history. Episode 13
History
KS2 History. Lost in transition. 1
Critical analysis
KS2 History. History and Hollywood. Sources. 2
Lesson starters. The Victorians
Ofsted. Secondary history
Causal reasoning
A Place Called Chiapas
Armenians. A Story of Survival
Plunder and Possession