An evaluation of the Quality Mark for History for primary schools in the UK

ABSTRACT

The aim of the research is to evaluate the impact on stakeholders participating within an assessment process focusing on the learning and teaching of history in primary schools. The assessment was devised by the Historical Association (UK) leading to the award of a Quality Mark. This award was introduced in September 2014 with the aim of rewarding schools where there is a culture of excellence in the learning and teaching of history, and to develop a set of aspirations for other schools to work towards. The research employed mixed methodology including interviews and questionnaires. Findings support the significant impact on the school, and in particular the subject leader, of engaging in such a programme. This is the first phase of a four-year project, which will look at long-term impact and whether progress has been sustained.

KEYWORDS:

• Primary teaching
• history
• Quality Mark
• Historical Association
• school improvement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.