Key Stage 2 · Whole KS2 (Years 3–6)
Black History Near Us: A Local History Enquiry
A short historical enquiry pupils can carry out about their own town, city or region.
Adaptable across Years 3–6 (ages 7–11).
Learning objectives
- ✓Ask historical questions about our local area.
- ✓Use different sources to find out about Black history in our community.
- ✓Present findings as a display, presentation or short film.
Background information
Black history is not only made in Parliament, palaces or faraway battlefields — it is made on our streets, in our schools and in our places of worship. Every town in the UK has some Black history to tell, even if it has not always been remembered.
Local museums, county archives, libraries and community groups often hold photographs, newspapers, and oral history recordings. Grandparents, neighbours and local faith leaders can also share memories.
This enquiry helps pupils practise thinking like historians: asking a good question, gathering evidence, and sharing what they find with others.
Discussion questions
- What is one question you would love to answer about our local area?
- Who in our community might we ask? Where might we look?
- How can we present what we find so others can learn from it?
Classroom activity ideas
- ◆Enquiry planner: pupils fill in a simple sheet with their question, sources, and next steps.
- ◆Local map: mark places on a map of your town that connect to Black history you have discovered.
- ◆Class exhibition: turn the classroom into a mini-museum for parents and other classes to visit.
Suggested writing task
Write a short guidebook entry (100–150 words) for one place in your local area that connects to Black history, explaining why it matters.
Quiz questions
What is an ‘enquiry’ in history?
- A. A test
- B. A careful search to answer a question(answer)
- C. A field trip
- D. A worksheet
Which of these is a good source for local history?
- A. A science textbook
- B. A local newspaper archive(answer)
- C. A weather forecast
- D. A packet of crisps
Who could you interview to learn about your area in the past?
- A. A YouTuber
- B. An older neighbour or family member(answer)
- C. A footballer
- D. The Prime Minister
Where might you find old records about your town?
- A. In an archive or library(answer)
- B. On a bus timetable
- C. On a menu
- D. In a maths book
Answers are shown here for teachers. Print the pupil version from Activities and Downloads.