How to teach events of national significance - Clare Jarmy in TES

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September, Bedales Assistant Head (Learning & Development) Clare Jarmy was asked to prepare something to share with the school the following morning.

In an article published by TES magazine, Clare reflects on finding the right way to approach teaching events of national significance.

The first call I got about the Queen’s death was from my mum. The second came moments later, from my headteacher:

“As I’ll be travelling back with Year 9 from the Ullswater trip, would you please put something together for the rest of the school, for first thing tomorrow morning? I trust you to do it well.”

Vote of confidence aside, those of you who also had to craft the appropriate words to share with students will appreciate that the burden was palpable.

Whatever your views on monarchy, the death of Queen Elizabeth II is one of those moments in history that will be remembered for years to come. I knew that my words, my choice of readings and, most importantly, my tone, could shape students’ interpretations of this huge national event.

Read the full article on the TES website, here.