How has Ipswich changed over time?

Through a series of five questions, pupils will learn how Ipswich 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 Ipswich’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 Ipswich 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 first people to live in Ipswich?

  • Ipswich Early History - PowerPoint Presentation
  • History Defenders – Castle Hill Activity
  • Timeline Sorting Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the Roman roads that were built linking the area to other places in the country?

Question 2 - What do we know about the Anglo-Saxon influence in the area?

  • Anglo-Saxon Ipswich and Rendlesham - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Rendlesham Research Activity
  • Uncovering Rendlesham – Understanding Archaeology Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the Viking attacks on Ipswich?

Question 3 - How did the Industrial Revolution change Ipswich?

  • The Industrial Revolution - PowerPoint Presentation
  • The Industrial Revolution Order of Significance Activity
  • Train Departs from Ipswich! Newspaper Article Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the Ransomes and Rapier company?

Question 4 - What role did Ipswich play in the World Wars?

  • Ipswich During the Wars - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Mary Caroline Coulcher Analysis Activity
  • Build your own Anderson shelter Activity

Extended Task: What can you find out about the Clifford Road Tunnels?

Question 5 - Who were the Windrush Generation?

  • The Windrush Generation - PowerPoint Presentation
  • Windrush Migrants Newspaper Article Activity
  • History Defenders Windrush Activity

Extended Task: Could you write a diary entry from the perspective of a Windrush Pioneer?

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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