How has Birkenhead changed over time?

Through a series of five questions, pupils will learn how Birkenhead has changed from prehistoric times to the present day.

Each question has a PowerPoint presentation of information plus a series of supporting enquiries and activity sheets to help pupils discover more about Birkenhead’s history and embed their learning.

Our Local History series is proudly produced in partnership with Teacher’s Pet.

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Teaching ideas

By investigating the development of the town chronologically, pupils will be able to look for similarities, differences, and changes over time throughout the whole history of the town. They will gain an understanding of how the town they live in today has been shaped and continues to be shaped, by the place itself and the people who have lived in it.

Each of the following questions is designed to enable pupils to use enquiry techniques to discover for themselves how their local history relates to the national history of Britain.

The Birkenhead Local History Teaching Overview describes the specific learning outcomes for each of the activities listed below. You can also download our ‘Essentials’ for extra resources that can be used with all five questions, such as a word mat, glossary, teacher cheat sheet, and much more.

Question 1 - What was Birkenhead like before the 19th Century?

  • Birkenhead and the Wirral before the 19th Century - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Birkenhead Priory Mapping Activity
  • Finding Viking Origins Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out what other ruin sits next to the Birkenhead Priory?

Question 2 – What impact did the Laird family have on Birkenhead?

  • The Laird Legacy - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Laird’s Birkenhead Tourist Booklet Activity
  • History Defenders – William Laird Blue Plaque Activity

Extended Task: What else can you find out about Cammel Laird?

Question 3 – How did transport developments help Birkenhead to grow?

  • Transport in Birkenhead - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Population Graph and Timeline Activity
  • Impact of transport on Birkenhead Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out more about the railways in Birkenhead?

Question 4 – How did the World Wars impact Birkenhead?

  • Birkenhead during the Wars - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Research a World War 1 soldier Activity
  • Newspaper Analysis Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the famous war poet, Wilfred Owen's, links to Birkenhead?

Question 5 – How can listed buildings help us find out about Birkenhead?

  • Birkenhead’s Listed Buildings - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Diamond of Significance Activity
  • Listed Buildings Activity

Extended Task: Can you write a persuasive speech or design a poster to explain why the building you have researched is significant and what it teaches us about Birkenhead’s past?

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To learn about changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
  • To make inferences from archaeological evidence
  • To investigate aspects of local history and how it relates to a national story
  • To develop a sense of pride in where they live
  • To develop skills in chronology using timelines and historical information
  • To create reasoned and evidentially supported judgements
  • Establish clear narratives within and across the periods studied

Prior knowledge

No prior knowledge is required, all information is provided.

Extended learning and useful links

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