Teaching the Sinking of the Titanic at KS1

This is a real winner as a topic which fires pupils’ imagination, especially the boys’. It deals with issues to do with causes really well, as you will see from the lesson using the history mystery approach. It also is great for looking at consequences. By focusing on the rescue, pupils can see how it has been shown differently in pictures and on film. This provides an excellent way into interpretations.

Some colleagues might think this is a bit of a sad, indeed tragic, story to use with young children. By focusing on the rescue and the improvements it led to, you can ameliorate any sad feelings pupils might have, but most teachers tell me that it is so removed from the present that pupils abiding reaction is one of strong engagement with the material, and only very rarely tinged with sadness.

You will also find some excellent visual material on the Titanic in Belfast site.