We will remember them : A history didactics study of First World War teaching in England through a teacher perspective

Abstract: The purpose of this study has been to research what is included in the First World War teaching in English compulsory school. The teaching of this historical event is performed in a context where the war is yearly commemorated and given attention in society at large in various ways. Through conducting interviews with six history teacher working at a school in northeastern England the study was set out to investigate how teaching of the war is performed in general as well as with specific focus directed towards potential challenges in connection to the remembrance events, the collectively remembered public history and issues such as gender and colonial representation. The study shows that there is a clear focus on the past in the teaching of the war with trench warfare and life during the war being issues that are discussed. Connections are further made to the present where the importance of remembrance is stressed. The main challenge experienced by the teachers regarding the First World War is the lack of living witnesses due to the time distance. In consequence, the war is seen as less relevant to learn about among the pupils. However, remembrance symbols can in this instance be a tool in order to entice interest for the study of the war and the common perception among the teachers is that the pupils enjoy the study of the First World War.