How to Lead it: Primary History

The perennial challenge for primary leaders is supporting colleagues to teach everything well—often without specialist training or time. This series meets that challenge head on. It’s full of evidence-based strategies that will help leaders to build powerful, knowledge-rich curriculums and teaching practices in a range of subjects. – Daisy Christodoulou * Director of Education, No More Marking *Grounded in rich academic thinking and practical wisdom, How to Lead It: Primary History deftly balances theory with actionable advice. I was particularly struck by its clarity on substantive and disciplinary knowledge, its challenge to common misconceptions and its relentless focus on history’s purpose in the curriculum. The chapter on storytelling is a real highlight – a powerful reminder of how narrative can bring history to life and deepen pupils’ understanding of the past. A vital companion for curriculum leaders who want to champion ambitious, inclusive and knowledge-rich history. * Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education, Tedd Wragg Trust *Alex’s book is a practical, inspiring guide for leading primary history. It empowers teachers and leaders to build an inclusive, knowledge-rich curriculum that will transform pupils’ understanding of the past. – Sonia Thompson * Headteacher/Director of St Matthew’s Research School – @son1bun *

Alex Pethick is an experienced teacher, with over 10 years of senior leadership experience. She is also currently the Director of Curriculum for the Knowledge Schools Trust Primaries; she supports headteachers, subject leaders and teachers nationally and internationally with curriculum development and improving teaching & learning.

Series editor Jon Hutchinson is Director of Curriculum and Teacher Development at the Reach Foundation. Prior to this, Jon was a primary school teacher, A level religious studies teacher, and assistant headteacher at Reach Academy Feltham. Jon was also a Visiting Fellow with Ambition Institute, tutoring on a Master’s in Expert Teaching programme. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jon was a founding member of Oak National Academy, leading the primary humanities curriculum. He has acted as an expert adviser to the DfE on various groups, including as a member of the core group which developed the Early Career Framework. Jon has written several chapters in educational books and is currently writing two books on education.