Historic Buildings

Local historic buildings make an excellent study for schools. They link the present, past and future, and fall within the firsthand experience of pupils. As every locality has buildings, this study can be rooted in the pupils' own environment, involving them in the history of their own areas and decisions which affect their own futures.

The subject is flexible enough to interest an eight-year-old or stretch an eighteen-year-old. It is genuinely cross-curricular, involving pupils in both practical and theoretical work, getting them out of the classroom and into the community. It is a topic with which pupils may become heavily involved and it can stimulate vehement discussion.

It is a direct and tangible route to preparing pupils for citizenship. And, most importantly, it is a fieldwork topic that is cheap and accessible: almost every school will have some historic buildings within walking distance.

How to involve pupils in the issues

• Ask pupils to note which buildings they find interesting and to say why. This can be compared with the buildings they remembered for their mental maps.

• Ask pupils to note which buildings are the oldest. What are the common features that identify old buildings (styles, materials, size, etc.)?

• Ask pupils to identify new buildings which are decorated to look old. Look for fake leaded windows, new coach lamps, half timbered integral garages etc.

• Ask pupils to look for changes to buildings. Identify replacement windows, extensions, blocked doors and windows, new roofing etc. This approach can be followed by discussion as to why people want these changes.

• Ask pupils to look for clues that tell them something about the owners or occupiers of the building. Are they rich/poor, young/old? What interests do they have? What do names tell us? Is the business prosperous or not? What image is being projected?

• Ask pupils to note building materials. This can be followed up with questions about which materials are local, are natural or artificial, are used for old or new buildings.