London History Teachers' Association

Minutes and memoranda.

The aims of the Association were: to promote meetings of interest to history teachers in secondary schools; to further the interests of history teachers by exchanging experience of syllabus and method, by attempting to place the results of research and revision at their disposal and by providing opportunity for them to meet each other informally and socially; to experiment in liaison work between university and school; to investigate the problems, scope and content of history teaching and to organise a body of opinion, to collaborate with other interested groups and to consult with examining boards. Membership was open to anyone interested in the teaching of history in secondary schools. In 1975 it was felt that the pioneer role of the Association in encouraging in-service education and been increasingly pre-empted by other bodies, that there were increased pressures on teachers in terms of time and energy, and difficulties in public transport which all resulted in poor attendance. The Association therefore decided to cease formal meetings and instead to continue for social activities only.

During the course of its activities, it held lectures and meetings on a wide range of subjects and its records give an insight into the opinions and concerns of history teachers during the period. Guest speakers addressed a variety of practical, philosophical and political issues affecting the teaching of history. Topics ranged from 'What is a good textbook?', 'The training of a history teacher', 'Archaeology in schools' and 'The use and production of television programmes for history' to '"A world outlook": its educational implications'.

The Association was chaired by Margaret Bryant and Jim Henderson of the University of London Institute of Education.

Open

Open, subject to signature of Reader Application Form.

It is not known how the Institute came by these records, but the Association did frequently meet at the Institute of Education and members of staff of the Institute participated in its activities.

A reader wishing to publish any quotation of information, including pictorial, derived from any archive material must apply in writing for prior permission from the Archivist or other appropriate person(s) as indicated by the Archivist. A limited number of photocopies may be supplied at the discretion of the Archivist.