alf wilkinson

'One Day in the lIfe of Ivan Denisovitch' - never released on video - is one I would include on the list. Not only does it vividly portray Stalin's camps, but some of the dialogue readily captures the essence of Stalinism - 'Do you mean even the sun obeys Comrade Stalin?' asks Ivan Denisovitch. Absolutely spellbinding.

I am more than happy to join in the WW2 Home Front project. Both my parents were children at school in the north East of England, so have school memories, and my father in law was a farmer here in the Fens - exempt occupation - and had both German and Italian PoWs. Another relative spent the war years in the Navy, and thus has plenty of yarns to tell! None are computer literate, but I can manage that. It is an excellent idea for online learning. Alf

If you widen the discussion to the greatest criminal then there are plenty of candidates! My vote would be for Stalin. For greatest citizen how about Percy Shaw - the person that invented cats eyes - you know, the things that shine in the road in the middle of the night. He refused to take out a patent so they would be cheap. And think of all the countless safe journeys made at night because of such a simple invention. I think he might get my vote!

It works for me too, Richard. Alas, I don't have broadband - at least until after March 3rd when BT finally enable my exchange! Thanks for all the hrd work you've done, Alf

I have produced a couple of history resources as part of the Aviation project. One looks at the Bomber Theory and the contribution it made to the British policy of Appeasement between the two world wars; the other looks at Zeppelins and how effective they were in World War One. Both these resources can be found at the links below. Any comments or criticisms welcome! http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/AVbombertheory.htm http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/AVbomberZeppelin.htm

Sorry to disagree with you John, but the HA is NOT in discussion with QCA over a joint History and Geography GCSE - one of the HA's members is. We do not support the proposal as such. And also there seems to be some confusion over the term 'hybrid'. The 'hybrid' GCSE's we are involved in with QCA are one-subject - history OR geography - which combine 'academic' GCSE history and 'vocational' history. The exciting thing about this is that at last QCA are proposing a much more relaxed approach to assessing - trusting teachers more. A much more flexible approach to assessment is a real sea-change in my opinion. It also allows you to study 'old' history at GCSE too! As I understand it, the proposed joint History and Geography GCSE is an attempt to widen subject exposure. After all, from Sept 2004 every student has to take Humanities at 14. It is as I understand it an attempt to fill a gap for those who want neither to take History at GCSE or Geography. How successful it will be at that is open to question, and the proposals seem to me to promote the worst of both subjects, not the best. Having taught integrated humanities to GCSE in the past, I think it rarely works - unless you have really keen teachers you get geographers teaching poor history, and vice versa. I don't think good history teachers have much to worry about from this proposal - it is a long way from reality yet!

The Historical Association represents over 3000 secondary history teachers, and primary teachers too. It claims to be the voice for history. In fact, in the UK and in Secondary age education, it certainly is. Its members' journal, Teaching History, leads the way in curriculum development and helping teachers keep up to date with new thinking about teaching and learning history. Are there similar organisations in other countries? Do they encompass most of the history teaching profession? What can we learn from each other? Any thoughts or comments?

We all like to think we, or our country, is the best, that is why the recent upsurge in interest about the British Empire is so interesting. Actually, I think the British have a penchant for reviving the past when they think they are in decline - is it a common trait that past glories become more important when present becomes uncertain?

My name is Alf Wilkinson and I was a history teacher, head of history and ICT Co-ordinator at a large comprehensive school in Bedford for many years. I left to run the Historical Association NOF training scheme. I know it is fashionable to knock NOF training but I think we helped a lot of teachers move on. I now teach part time in Lincolnshire, and am Professional Development Manager for the HA. This last year I have organised a national conference for history teachers on using ICT and been involved in various projects on behalf of the HA. I am interested in the story part of history, and making learning fun! Sometimes we forget that part of our calling. I have written lots of online materials and am about to launch my own commercial website. I am also involved in writing textbooks. Apart from that, I like a quiet life in the country!