Age 9 to 11 (KS2), Age 11 to 14 (KS3), Age 14 to 16 (KS4)
Source Analysis
Booking Information
What is Documentary Challenge?
Documentary Challenge takes students out of the classroom and into IWM’s galleries to explore objects and tell those stories in their own words. Briefed by Reena, a filmmaker for SMASH TV, students are given smart-cameras and tasked with making mini documentaries on the people and objects they feel the world needs to know about.
About this session
Through this digitally–led experience, students develop historical inquiry skills to question, consider, debate and evaluate primary sources, while also gaining a deeper understanding about the impact of war and conflict on people’s lives in the past, and its relevance in society today.
Choose to send your students to either the First World War Galleries, Second World War Galleries or the Atrium and Balconies; Turning Points 1934 - 1945 or Peace and Security 1945 - 2014.
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IWMGetting ready for Documentary Challenge
Use these videos in the classroom to help you understand what a documentary is and what skills are used to make them. We hope after watching them and doing the activities you will be ready for Documentary Challenge!
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Session notes for teachers
Please ensure you read the session notes for Documentary Challenge ahead of your visit.
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Terms and Conditions
Please read our booking terms and conditions before your visit.
National Curriculum Links
- Key Stage 2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
- Key Stage 3 History: Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day
Learning Objectives
Documentary Challenge allows active exploration of the History curriculum in relation to real historic artefacts within IWM. Through making their mini-documentaries, students will:
- Use primary sources as evidence to construct, illustrate and present an argument
- Develop communication and presentation skills through filmmaking
- Deepen understanding about the impact of conflict on people’s lives in the past and relevance to society today.
Testimonials
‘An incredible way for students to learn. The opportunity to explore, be creative, make choices, voice their thoughts and do so with the rigidness of having to know an examiners mark scheme. Teachers crave being able to support students in learning this way. A wonderful experience!’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher
‘A thoroughly 21st century learning event which genuinely helps to develop historical and deeper understanding of the past.’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher
