How has Derby changed over time?

Through a series of five questions, pupils will learn how Derby 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 Derby’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 city chronologically, pupils will be able to look for similarities, differences, and changes over time throughout the whole history of the city. They will gain an understanding of how the city 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 Derby 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 - Who were the first people to live in Derby?

  • Derby’s Early Settlers - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Derby’s Early Settlers Timeline Map Activity
  • Little Chester Roman Discoveries Archaeology Activity
  • Mapping Little Chester Roman Settlement Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out what other Roman discoveries were made around Derby?

Question 2 – How did Derby continue to develop?

  • How Derby Continued to Develop - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Medieval Derby Map and Streets Activity
  • History Defenders – Derby Buildings of Worship Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about other historical buildings within Derby?

Question 3 – What was Derby like during the Industrial Revolution?

  • Industrial Derby - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Royal Crown Derby Research Activity
  • Trade Directory Analysis Activity

Extended Task: Can you find out how many other mills there were in the Derwent Valley?

Question 4 – What role did Derby play in the World Wars?

  • Derby at War - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Research a World War 1 War Hero Activity
  • Rolls-Royce Air Raid Activity

Extended Task: Can you find any personal accounts about living in Derby during either of the wars?

Question 5 – Which people have had a significant impact on Derby in the 20th and 21st centuries?

  • Significant Derby People - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Pyramid of Significance Activity
  • Made in Derby Research Activity

Extended Task: Is there another influential person from Derby that you could learn about?

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To learn about changes in Roman Britain
  • To make inferences from archaeological evidence
  • To use the terms 'invade' and 'settle'
  • 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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