Historical Interpretation: The Future of History

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 18, 2011 -- History is not merely learning and remembering the dates of important
events. Neither is it simply analysing sources and debating events. History
is a living process, one that needs to be engaging and interactive. The best
history lesson would be to go back in time and meet the people who made
history. Unless your Doctor Who however this is not possible. Field trips
however are a good way to make history more accessible to disinterested
students. Yet, how effective is a field trip without a guide? Even then how

interested are students really going to be? Guided tours can be dry and
un-engaging. A guide drones on about the history, whilst students yawn and
think about lunch time. This is an all to common sight in many places of
historical interest.
The Falstaff Experience Tudor World is changing the way we think about
historical education. To deliver their first rate educational product the
museum employs historical interpreters, part historian, part actor and part
teacher, these experienced staff make history relevant for students of all
ages.
Several techniques can be employed by the historical interpreters all

designed to engage the students. For younger students the historical
interpreters may take a teacher in role approach. For younger students with
a more vivid imagination this can be like actually meeting a Tudor. This
creates a unique learning experience that will live long in the students
memory and inspire class room learning. For older students the historical
interpreters will take a more pragmatic approach; part teacher, part stand
up comedian. Many teenagers will instantly panic about their street cred
when being spoken to by a person in costume. The historical interpreter is

able to include themselves in the students humour and make fun of themselves
and thus winning the students on side.
What can be a full 100% participation workshop for Key Stage 2 can make
for an amusing and just as informative show for Key Stage 4. Historical
interpretation is indebted to Terry Deary and his 'Horrible Histories'
series. All students enjoy gore and gross jokes. A historical interpreter is
able to deliver these in the bucket load. The be-heading that ends one
workshop at the Falstaff Experience is a real crowd pleaser delighting
students of all ages. It is people that make history interesting and the

historical interpreters are able to make history relevant as never before.
The future of history education is interactive learning. Nowhere is this
more evident than the Falstaff Experience in Stratford upon Avon. Full
information on the Falstaff Experience can be found at
www.falstaffexperience.co.uk

Loxley C of E enjoyed a visit to The Falstaff Experience Tudor World in
January.
Loxley C of E Primary School
Loxley
Warwick
CV35 9JT
01789840211


*Ben Pugh*
*Events & Engagement Manager*
*The Falstaff Experience*
*Sheep Street*
*Stratford upon Avon*

*Warwickshire*
*CV37 6EE*
*01789298070*

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