Investigating the battlefield

The battlefield is the most important object and source of evidence which pupils will investigate on their day’s visit. Time spent on the battlefield gives pupils the opportunity to walk the routes taken by men on either side, to witness the ground where men fell and to engage with the challenges faced by historians and archaeologists in interpreting the site. Many people feel that the site has a particular atmosphere and it is worth giving pupils the chance to respond emotionally to the battlefield.

Pupils will engage more closely with and get the most from the battlefield if they are given opportunities for personalisation and choice. If possible, try to allow them to take the lead in exploring the battlefield, using the interpretation on site (e.g. panels, maps) as a resource to support their desired learning goals.