How has Gateshead changed over time?

Through a series of five questions, pupils will learn how Gateshead 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 Gateshead’s history and embed their learning.

Historic England would like to thank Gateshead Archives at Gateshead Council for their help and support putting these resources together. In particular we would like to thank Jennifer Bell for the research and images she provided. The resources are richer and more interesting because of her contribution.

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 Gateshead 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 word mat, glossary and much more.

Question 1 - Who were the early settlers in the area?

  • How Gateshead Began- PowerPoint Presentation
  • Mapping Gateshead Historical Locations Activity
  • Gateshead Origins Timeline Activity

Extended Task: Investigate whether a fort or castle was ever built in Gateshead.

Question 2 - What were Gateshead’s main industries and how did they help it grow?

  • Gateshead Industries - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Joseph Skipsey Poetry Comprehension Activity
  • Gateshead 1832 to 1909 Comparisons Activity

Extended Task: Could you write your own poetry about life in a coal mine?

Question 3 - Which people of Gateshead made a significant impact?

  • Gateshead Significant People - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Gateshead Significant People Comparison Activity
  • History Defenders – Emily Davies Activity

Extended Task: Could you write a biography of a different person from Gateshead who has made an impact?

Question 4 - What was life like for people in Gateshead during the wars?

  • Gateshead During the Wars - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Elisabethville Interview Activity
  • World War 2 Lillian’s Personal Account Analysis Activity

Extended Task: Find out more about the evacuation of children from Gateshead in 1939.

Question 5 - How is Gateshead different today?

  • Gateshead Development Information - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Angel of the North Research Activity
  • Marley Hill Colliery Employees Analysis Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the history of the Baltic Centre for
Contemporary Art?

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 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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