The Dawn of Affluence: British Living Standards 1900-1960
This course will be delivered with the University of Sussex, in partnership with The
National Archives. During the autumn term of 2012, eight teachers from schools across
the UK will have the opportunity to learn about the transition from poverty to affluence in
Britain during the twentieth century. They will carry out their own research into living
standards, based on the archival collections held by The National Archives and findings
of researchers at the University of Sussex. They will also draw on a series of four
lectures from history professors, to aid their research. At two days of seminars at The
National Archives, teachers will work with original documents, reflecting on how to
design suitable classroom activities for their students. Following approval by an editorial
board, final versions of these resources will be published on the programme’s website.
Teachers will carry out further collaborative work on a study tour of Liverpool and
Manchester during the autumn half-term break, 26-27 October. Preserved streets and
houses displaying twentieth century features will be visited, as well as record collections
and museums.
All of the participants’ expenses for the course will be paid, including travel and
accommodation for the seminar days and the field study, as well as the cost of a supply
teacher to cover their teaching on Friday 12 October and Friday 26 October if this date
is not in your half-term break.
Some aspects of the course will be delivered through the virtual classroom and virtual
learning environment. These will be freely available to participants through the internet;
no special equipment will be required.
What are we looking for?
A high level of commitment is required from participants: they are expected to listen to
all lectures, contribute regularly to the VLE, attend both days of seminars at The
National Archives and create well researched resources in their own time. They must
also be available to attend the field study on 26-27 October.
We want to recruit people who are excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively
with other teachers. We believe participants’ practice will be invigorated by the activities,
and hope that they will seek opportunities to share their learning with colleagues within
their school and beyond.
Programme Activities

Introductory meeting for all teachers delivered via the Virtual Classroom, 10
September 2012 (outside school hours).

Participation in the virtual learning environment, to get to know the other teachers
working on the programme.

Four lectures, delivered via the virtual classroom or as web casts. Each lecture will
be one hour long.

Two days of seminars at The National Archives on Friday 12 October and
Saturday 13 October. Led by Ben Walsh, history education trainer and author,
working with original documents, history and economics academics from the
University of Sussex, and The National Archives education team.

Teachers will develop their own teaching resources in October and November.

A study tour of Liverpool and Manchester with Ben Walsh, Sussex University and
National Archives staff on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October

Resources will be submitted to the editorial board by Monday 3 December
How to apply

Fill in your details on the application form provided at:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/cpd/sussex.htm
In the supporting statement, explain how you meet the person specification (both
essential and desirable- see below), giving concrete examples wherever possible.

Return the application form by 19:00 on Friday 27 July either by email or by post
to the addresses given at the end of the application form.
Deadline for applications

Applications must be received by 19:00 on Friday 27 July 19:00
Person Criteria
Essential

Qualified teacher status

Teaching history in either a primary or secondary school, 2010-2011

Able to attend the days at The National Archives

Commitment to producing new resources through work on the programme
Desirable

Experience of developing new history teaching resources based on historical
evidence

Knowledge of some of the debates surrounding the place of evidence in history

Experience of contributing to the teaching of others (for example through creating
resources that others have used, planning for department or year group, leading
INSET, presenting teaching ideas to others)

Confidence to give presentations in front of colleagues and share ideas through
web forums

Strong written communication skills
For further information
Contact Rachel Hillman, Education Development Manager
rachel.hillman@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk