Literacy is at the heart of history. The historically literate student can argue. Historical speaking and writing is about presenting an evidence-based argument, even when producing a narrative. At the Historical Association, we recognise the important role that literacy and oracy play and we have developed a number of resources and initiatives over the years aimed at supporting the development of historical literacy and oracy. Here’s a reminder of some great selected resources to support you in your curriculum planning. The selection includes articles, guides, webinars and resources across reading, writing and oracy.

On-demand webinar series: History and literacy: better together (check free one) – This 2025 webinar series from Andrew Wrenn explores the complex and complementary nature of history and literacy and how both must work together. The series as a whole is currently available on demand and this session from the series is available free to HA members.

Overground, underground and across the sea – This 2017 article from Primary History explores the history of communication through the postal service.

Using oral history in the classroom – These 2022 films from Julia Letts of the Oral History Society demonstrate both how to use oral histories in the classroom and how to equip pupils to carry out their own oral history projects.

The role of oracy in primary history – East-the-Water is a primary school in Bideford, Devon. It has recently been awarded a Gold Award Quality Mark. Among many strong features, one was the emphasis on using oracy effectively in history. In this article, Kelly Bridle outlines its role, especially in connecting periods and events across the history curriculum using a range of connectors, such as images, concepts and artefacts.

What can pupil voice tell us about perceptions of history? – This 2025 article from Primary History explores the value of pupil voice in telling us about pupil perceptions of history and how this can support curriculum planning.

Primary History summer resource 2020: Historical Fiction – This 2020 summer resource captures some great historical fiction titles that can be used with pupils to bring curriculum topics to life.

Primary History 60: Writing History & Literacy – Edition 60 of Primary History in 2012 focused on literacy and writing that continues to provide good advice!

Primary History 49: Visual Literacy – This 2008 edition of Primary History  focused on visual literacy, the art of being able to interrogate and “read” an image – an important element of literacy within history education.

All of our competitions for primary pupils are aimed at supporting the development of either their literacy or oracy skills along with their historical knowledge and research. Why not think about weaving preparation for Talking History or the Write Your Own Historical Fiction Competition into your plans?