Today’s featured Unit Path comes from Sasha Smith & Dr. Sarah Longair, who were keen to develop pupils’ understanding of the British Empire through the lens of material culture. Each lesson centres an object that explores a period, place or event. The Unit Path being shared is one that has been taught at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy, but the wider collection of lessons can be used to curate a scheme of learning that best suits the needs of specific schools.
Sasha and Sarah’s work fits brilliantly with the Curriculum PATHS Ethical Principles, especially in terms of expanding pupils’ understanding of the traces which can underpin historical claims. The material objects give pupils a great way into understanding complex themes and ideas in an accessible and interesting way. Pupils are also asked to respond to the unit by curating and explaining their own mini exhibition: ‘objects of empire’, which is not only great fun, but a fantastic way to help pupils understand how different kinds of historical claims are made.
You can see Sasha and Sarah discussing their amazing work in depth in this SHP New Teachers’ Conference workshop. You can access all the resources via the Curriculum PATHS webpage.
