Bev Forrest writes: As part of my role as a Historical Association Quality Mark assessor I am privileged to visit schools across the country. In the autumn of 2019, I ventured out into Essex to carry out an assessment at Dilkes Academy. I was delighted to recommend gold status for the school and felt particularly inspired by the numerous ways in which history enriched the school’s curriculum. Dimi Gospodinova – the subject leader – had worked hard to establish a wide range of experiences for all ages of pupils, including a number of history-themed clubs. Dimi was aware of the many benefits of these undertakings not just to raise the status of the subject, but more importantly,to enthuse and inspire the pupils to study history. Parent engagement also increased, resulting in pupils going home full of ideas for activities and outings. Dimi built on this enthusiasm through a history competition where pupils and parents worked together on themes inspired by the history club.

I am delighted to introduce Dimi and her work as our guest subject leader and am confident that her work will inspire you to take the step to establish a history club in your school...