[Joe Wilkinson]

Hi! I am hoping to get the collective advice of many heads here. I've just started a job as Head of History at an International School here in sunny Mauritius. Resources are fine for years 10-11 and at IB and I managed to bring quite a few with me for these Key Stages which has helped. My big problem is years 7-9. They are currently using the Heinemann History Scheme. I am having to go with this as it my first year and all the budget went on IGCSE and IB but next year I think we really need to replace these books with something a bit less British and much more international. Does anyone out there have any ideas? Any help warmly welcomed...

Joe

[Russell Courts]

It is very difficult to find a textbook that is not focused on Britain, for obvious reasons. We use the Heinemann Think History series, but we subsidise that with a lot of single topic texts, Like the Islamic Empires book from Hodder.

[Dom_Giles]

Russell Courts, on 30 September 2009 - 10:48 AM, said:

It is very difficult to find a textbook that is not focused on Britain, for obvious reasons. We use the Heinemann Think History series, but we subsidise that with a lot of single topic texts, Like the Islamic Empires book from Hodder.

I agree. I've worked in several International schools and have never cracked this particular nut. It can end up just being a fact that you have to teach British History to KS3 even though it may seem odd as you are abroad. Have you consulted with parents at all? It may well be that they actually want their children to find out about British History. I was surprised to find that this was the case when i was working in Argentina. Even though I thought it was weird to be doing the Tudors and Stuarts in Beunos Aires, the Parents loved the idea.

[kbolman]

Joe Wilkinson, on 29 September 2009 - 09:14 PM, said:

Hi! I am hoping to get the collective advice of many heads here. I've just started a job as Head of History at an International School here in sunny Mauritius. Resources are fine for years 10-11 and at IB and I managed to bring quite a few with me for these Key Stages which has helped. My big problem is years 7-9. They are currently using the Heinemann History Scheme. I am having to go with this as it my first year and all the budget went on IGCSE and IB but next year I think we really need to replace these books with something a bit less British and much more international. Does anyone out there have any ideas? Any help warmly welcomed...

Joe

Joe, I am new to this group and live in Honolulu. I am no longer in the classroom and spending my time creating an online course in art history. It is open to everyone and is not the British point of view. I start with prehistory around the world and am slowly working my way forward. So please give it a look. Please let me know what you think and if you might use it or send your students there.
The Site is ahaafoundation.org
my email is kbolmanahaa@gmail.com

[Joe Wilkinson]

Thanks for all of your help. I am currently dipping in and out of various textbooks, worksheets and the like and think this has to be the way ahead - they know the topics, learning objectives etc and I've been promised a projector which will help no end. Thanks for the ideas.

Joe

[Jim Belben]

Joe Wilkinson, on 30 September 2009 - 07:14 AM, said:

Hi! I am hoping to get the collective advice of many heads here. I've just started a job as Head of History at an International School here in sunny Mauritius. Resources are fine for years 10-11 and at IB and I managed to bring quite a few with me for these Key Stages which has helped. My big problem is years 7-9. They are currently using the Heinemann History Scheme. I am having to go with this as it my first year and all the budget went on IGCSE and IB but next year I think we really need to replace these books with something a bit less British and much more international. Does anyone out there have any ideas? Any help warmly welcomed...

Joe

When you decide what it is you want let me know and we at Hodder Education would be pleased to try and create your ideal course. By the way have a look at the Amazon review of SHP History Y7 or Y8 which is from a North American home educator who seemed to think it crossed national boundaries quite well.

[Jim Belben]

Joe Wilkinson, on 30 September 2009 - 07:14 AM, said:

Hi! I am hoping to get the collective advice of many heads here. I've just started a job as Head of History at an International School here in sunny Mauritius. Resources are fine for years 10-11 and at IB and I managed to bring quite a few with me for these Key Stages which has helped. My big problem is years 7-9. They are currently using the Heinemann History Scheme. I am having to go with this as it my first year and all the budget went on IGCSE and IB but next year I think we really need to replace these books with something a bit less British and much more international. Does anyone out there have any ideas? Any help warmly welcomed...

Joe

When you work out what your ideal international course consists of let me know - we are Hodder Education will be pleased to have a go at publishing it for you!

[Joe Wilkinson]

Thanks for letting me know - I will keep that in mind

Joe

[C Legendre]

This is my first posting on the site; I am coordinating an international section in a private school in Maisons Laffitte, France. Our school follows the French syllabus. We teach History in English.

I have introduced the following books to my school this year.
World Studies - The Ancient World (Prentice Hall publishers, USA) for 6me, year 7 and World Studies - Medieval Times to today for 5me, year 8.

The books cover a lot of world history, rather than English history, and there is an associated website where students can access interactive maps. There are suggested videos with links to the history channel.
These books are beautifully presented, with great diagrams. The book is printed in association with Dorling Kindersley. The activities draw out note taking skills and basic interpretation skills.
My students are pleased to finally have a textbook in English. However, I would like a book with more written sources.

I will purchase the books again next year and will continue to supplement the book with my own work.
THERE was a 6 week delay for delivery from the States.
Please do let me know if you find better.

Catherine.