N.B. This unit was produced before the 2014 curriculum and therefore some of the references are a little dated. Nevertheless, most of the advice contained within this unit remains pertinent in helping history co-ordinators fulfil the role effectively.

Primary history does not just happen.  It needs to be planned for, resourced, delivered and monitored.  Most schools ask a colleague to act as co-ordinator or subject leader for history.  In reality, most teachers will be required to take on some form of subject leadership role and many of those fulfilling this role in history do so relatively early in their careers.  This unit focuses on the features of effective history leadership and management, its characteristics, the challenges and ways in which it might be undertaken given the likely resources available for the task.

What this unit is concerned with:  

It is divided into the following enquiries:

1. What are the issues that should be the main concern of a history subject leader?
2. What constitutes realistic roles and responsibilities for a history subject leader?
3. How can one ensure effective resourcing of primary history?
4. How can the subject leader improve the classroom experiences of pupils?
5. When and how should history be monitored in school?