The series consists of six webinars. The live session dates are detailed below and recordings will be made available to booked delegates.

Why teach history directly?
Wednesday 4 June 2025, 4pm–5pm

In this opening session, Jacob and Mike will outline what they mean by direct history teaching. They will explain how this differs from some methods that have become common in history teaching – and why a more direct approach can be more effective, inclusive, and enjoyable for pupils.

Teaching substantive knowledge directly
Wednesday 11 June 2025, 4pm–5pm

In this second session, Jacob and Mike will share how history teachers can teach substantive knowledge (what we know about the past) in more direct ways – whilst still challenging and engaging pupils. They will share ideas about using lean resources and high-quality images, worldbuilding through storytelling, and building lessons around extended texts.

Teaching the whole class
Wednesday 18 June 2025, 4pm–5pm

In this third session, Jacob and Mike will argue that a history teacher should always be a sage on the stage – and not a guide on the side. They will share strategies that allow history teachers to drive learning for an entire class, ensuring that all pupils pay attention, take part in the lesson, and feel successful.

Teaching disciplinary knowledge directly: interpretations
Wednesday 25 June 2025, 4pm–5pm

In this fourth session, Jacob and Mike will explore how history teachers can teach disciplinary knowledge (how we know about the past) directly – specifically, historical interpretations. They will share examples of lessons that directly teach pupils how historians (and others) have constructed interpretations about the past.

Teaching disciplinary knowledge directly: sources
Monday 30 June 2025, 4pm–5pm

In this fifth session, Jacob and Mike will argue that 'source work' often doesn’t work. They will suggest that common classroom approaches to sources are often ineffective and inaccessible. Instead, they will share examples of lessons that teach pupils very directly about sources – rather than getting them to do 'source work'.

Teaching language directly
Wednesday 9 July 2025, 4pm–5pm

In this sixth and final session, Jacob and Mike will explain how history teachers can teach words and phrases very directly to their pupils. They will suggest that 'drill and thrill' – rather than laminated word mats – can make the language of history more accessible and enjoyable for pupils.

The course is aimed at anyone who teaches history at Key Stage 3 or 4.

If you are looking for new methods or simply curious about different approaches to history teaching, this series offers ideas to help make your history teaching rigorous and meaningful.

This webinar series will enable you  to:

• • learn how history can be taught more directly
• • try direct history teaching approaches in your classroom

The webinars will be led by Mike Hill and Jacob Olivey, who both teach history at Ark Soane Academy, London.

We are able to offer the webinars in this series at a subsidised cost as the presenters' time has been partially funded by their school, Ark Soane Academy.

We are open to developing partnerships across schools and trusts. If you are interested in discussing this further, please contact Mel Jones at melanie.jones@history.org.uk

All prices are listed inclusive of VAT. Any webinar booked individually on Cademy will incur an additional fee.

To access the member price please provide your membership number when prompted. You must have a valid membership at the time of booking and attending. All webinars in this series are eligible for the corporate member free webinar offer.

The webinars will take place online over Zoom. While we strongly recommend participating live, if you are unable to attend for any reason a recording link will be made available. This will be emailed to all registered participants to access for a limited period.

To book for multiple webinars or request an invoice, please complete the form below.

If you have missed a session, a recording can be accessed using the form. You will be emailed an invoice for the cost of the recording(s) and a time-limited link to access the webinar recording on Zoom.