Really Useful Resources – the ALES Committee

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Last year we published a list of useful resources with key web links, including curriculum material, learning organisations and educational resources. Recently members of the ALES Committee have been reviewing the list and have been making some changes. The list still contains links for learning networks, professional development resources and a brand new list of funding providers. It also links to learning resources which focus on learning skills which can be applied in any area. We have removed links to resources which are subject, collection or location specific due to how quickly curriculum and educational needs change. However, we know that people would still like to access such resources; therefore, this blog lists all those resources which were in the previous document but are not included in the updated version.

You can access our updated list on our resource page here https://www.archives.org.uk/about/sections-interest-groups/archives-for-learning-and-education/news-and-events-sp-899347720.html

Subject, collection and location specific resources:

Archives Alive

Free online resources for use with schools from Newcastle University. Subjects covered include Archaeology, Biology English and History. Suitable for Primary and Secondary Curriculum.

Link – https://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/services/education-outreach/ 

Ask About Ireland

Online resource pooling content from Irish libraries, museums and archives. Includes interactive resources for children. Suitable for Primary, Secondary (Irish curriculum) and Lifelong Learning.

Link – http://www.askaboutireland.ie/  

Black British History Website

This website from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies features links to learning resources and primary source material available online relating to Black British histories. Suitable for all levels.

Link – https://blackbritishhistory.co.uk/resources/links/

Black Cultural Archives

The Black Cultural Archives are developing learning resources for different key stages on Black British History, which are being made available on their website. Their webpages also feature digital exhibitions which showcase their collections. Suitable for secondary.

Link – https://blackculturalarchives.org/learning/schools-programme

Black Scottish Histories Wakelet

This Wakelet brings together links to a range of online learning resources relating to Black Scottish History, many of which feature archive material. Suitable for Primary and Secondary (Scottish Curriculum).

Link – https://wakelet.com/wake/ikmX1k5YvcHGhZo3cDUQa

British Library Online Resources

Wide range of resources relating to different subject areas, including topics such as Asians in Britain, Windrush Stories and women’s rights. Suitable for Primary and Secondary.

Link – https://www.bl.uk/learning/online-resources

Churchill Archives for Schools 

Classroom-ready resources written by leading history teachers to help build students’ skills and confidence in using primary sources. There are also practical tips on using primary sources. Suitable for Secondary and FE Curriculum.

Link – http://www.churchillarchiveforschools.com/  

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East Dunbartonshire’s War 

A secondary schools’ teaching and learning resource about the experience of the First World War in East Dunbartonshire. Suitable for Secondary (Scottish curriculum) 

Link – https://www.eastdunbartonshireswar.co.uk/about-the-resource/  

Everyday Muslim

This heritage and archive initiative seeks to create a central resource for documentary history of Muslim lives, arts, education and cultures across the UK. Their website features online learning resources for KS2 and KS3. Suitable for Secondary.

Link – https://www.everydaymuslim.org/education/

Glasgow Women’s Library LGBTQ Online Resources

GWL has digital images and contextual information available for some of the key items that form part of their LGBTQ related collections. Suitable for FE and Lifelong Learning.

Link – https://womenslibrary.org.uk/explore-the-library-and-archive/lgbtq-collections-online-resource/

Historic England 

A free searchable database of over 9000 images from English Heritage’s archives. Copyright cleared for educational use. There are also teachers’ activities, interactive whiteboard lessons, the ability to create your own worksheet and a series of ‘how to guides’ on using archives for local study work. Suitable for Primary, Secondary and FE 

Link – https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/education/   

Historiana 

Co-ordinated by European Association of History Educators, Historiana offers teaching resources and tools on history and heritage from a global perspective. Suitable for Secondary. 

Link – http://historiana.eu/ 

Historical Photographs of China

A free searchable database of over 21,000 images taken in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, or China-related, dating from the 1850s to the 1950s. Images can be downloaded from the Historical Photographs of China site, under a Creative Commons licence. Suitable for Secondary, FE, HE and Lifelong Learning (but please be aware of some gruesome/unpleasant images of conflict etc).

Link – https://www.hpcbristol.net/

Homeschooling Resources – Co-operative Heritage Trust

Co-operative Heritage Trust: A selection of homeschooling resources around the theme of co-operation and co-operative heritage that can be downloaded and completed online or printed out. Suitable for Key Stages 1. 2 and 3 covering different curriculum areas including literacy, numeracy, citizenship and more

Link – https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/homeschooling-resources

Institute for Engineering and Technology – Library & Archives 

Contains biographies of eminent scientists and engineers, online exhibitions, as well as short articles on a variety of science and engineering topics inspired by the IET collection (articles can be found under the ‘Highlights’ link).Suitable for all levels.

Link – https://www.theiet.org/resources/library/index.cfm  

Kings College, Cambridge – Introduction to Archives 

This resource uses a Rupert Brook case study to introduce the concepts and processes of archival research. Suitable for Secondary and FE 

Link – http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/archive-centre/introduction-archives/index.html 

LSE Library (including The Women’s Library)

LSE Library has produced a number of resources for schools, from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5, including presentations and teachers’ notes, free to download. Find newly-digitised material on our LSE Digital Library, plus more images on Flickr. More information and links can be found here: Online learning resources (lse.ac.uk)

Northumberland Archives LEARN

Online resources for use in schools covering Crime & Punishment; Victorians, First World War, Second World War and Hannah Glasse’s Art of Cookery. Suitable for KS2, KS3, KS4, lifelong learners in a range of subjects including STEM.

Link – https://www.northumberlandarchives.com/learn/

The National Archives 

The National Archives’ online education service, including material for schools, summer schools and an outline workshop and resources for SEND pupils (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/teachers/special-educational-needs-and-disability-send/). Suitable for Primary, Secondary, FE and SEND 

Link – http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/   

The National Archives (c) ALES

The National Library of Scotland 

The Learning Zone contains interactive resources and videos on various aspects of Scottish history, in support of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Suitable for Primary and Secondary 

Link – https://www.nls.uk/learning-zone  

The National Library of Wales 

Learning packs and interactive resources on a variety of topics, drawing on Welsh film, literature and history. See also the related ‘Hwb’, the Welsh government’s digital learning hub offering a variety of topics and training for educators of all ages (https://hwb.gov.wales/). Suitable for Primary, Secondary (Welsh Curriculum), FE and Lifelong Learning 

Link- https://www.library.wales/services/education/learning-resources/  

National Museums Scotland 

Resources to support teachers and pupils visiting the national museums of Scotland. Includes useful ideas and resources for pupils with additional needs. Suitable for Primary, Secondary and SEND.

Link- https://www.nms.ac.uk/about-us/schools-programme/ 

Records of Rugby Football 1823-2023

Digitised archive material relating to the history of rugby football from 1823 to 2023. Material can be used to support teachers and students studying sport history or heritage. Suitable for Secondary and FE.

Link – https://www.rugbyschoolmuseum.co.uk/Authenticated/Browse.aspx

Schools of Empire

An award-winning research project exploring the historical intersection between schools, class and colonialism. The website has podcasts, creative responses and blogs based on archival material held in school archives. Suitable for Secondary and FE.

Link – https://schoolsofempireproject.co.uk/

Scotland on Screen 

Scottish film archive, accompanied by learning resources and activities. Suitable for all levels.

Link – https://scotlandonscreen.org.uk 

Scottish Archives for Schools 

National Records of Scotland education website, supporting the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and National Qualifications. Suitable for Secondary and FE. 

Link – http://www.scottisharchivesforschools.org/  

Show.me.uk 

Part of the Culture 24 family of websites, Show.me.uk is a collection of online games and interactive content produced by the UK’s museums and galleries, for children aged 4 to 11. Suitable for Primary.

Link – http://www.show.me.uk/ 

The Struggle for Race Equality: an Oral History of the Runnymede Trust

The Runnymede Trust is a UK race equality think tank. This resources provides insight into the key moments in the organisation’s lifetime, against a backdrop of wider race relations and legislation in the UK between 1968 and 1988. Suitable for FE and Lifelong Learning.

Link – https://www.runnymedetrust.org/histories/

University of Leicester – Manufacturing Pasts 

This collaborative project seeks to illustrate the industrial changes that occurred in Leicester. Multimedia resources include images, interviews, ebooks, videos and interactive presentations. Suitable for FE, HE and Lifelong Learning 

Link – www2.le.ac.uk/library/manufacturingpasts 

University of Manchester – ‘Introducing Special Collections’ 

Online interactive guide aimed at Higher Education students. Suitable for HE.

Link- https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/learning-objects/mle/special-collections/ 

University of Nottingham 

Resources based around digitization of original documents. Themes include studies of conflict, public health and housing, Laxton open field village, the 4th Duke of Newcastle, odour of chrysanthemums, and wives, widows and wimples. There is also a handy guide to historic deeds at: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/researchguidance/deedsindepth/introduction.aspx. Suitable for Secondary, FE,HEandLifelong Learning

Link – https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/learning/introduction.aspx 

University of Oxford – WW1 Poetry Archive 

Resources include interviews, film footage, timelines and poetry. The content is organised according to different types of learners. Suitable for Secondary, HE and Lifelong Learning 

Link – www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/education 

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VADS

Over 120,000 digital images from art and design collections across the UK. Most images are drawn from university library, museum, and archive collections, but also from public and private collections.  A few of these collections are supplemented with online learning resources and essays by experts in the field. Suitable for HE and Lifelong Learning 

Link – www.vads.ac.uk   

Wellcome Collection 

The Wellcome Library and Archives covers the history of medicine. Digitised content has been made freely available, which is browsable by topic, author or genre. Suitable for all levels.

Link – https://wellcomelibrary.org/collections/browse/ 

We hope you find these useful, if you have any suggestions for our list of resources please let us know at ales@archives.org.uk.