I think it’s great if you can bring philosophical thinking into different subjects across the curriculum. And it does work really well in History. It’s a way to help pupils realise that their learning is relevant to their lives beyond school; this makes their learning more meaningful. They will also develop their thinking skills (critical, creative, collaborative and caring).
Here are a few big questions to get children thinking deeply about History. These could be used at the beginning of a new topic, or as starter questions at the beginning of each lesson.
Should we learn about the past?
Which is more interesting – the past or the future?
“History is the winner’s diary” – agree / disagree?
How does History affect who we are now?
Is the present better than the past?
