Alistair Dickins
@alistairdickins.bsky.social
Part time professional History teacher, full time amateur dad. Once wrote PhD on Russian Revolution, now writing the Istorik teaching blog: https://istorikteach.blogspot.com/ and https://m.facebook.com/groups/1324219541631600/
Thoughts/comments my own
Thoughts/comments my own
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
How do we get students to write analysis like historians in their #history coursework?
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
A-Level History Coursework: 8 Traps Students Fall Into (and 8 Ways to Avoid Them)
Writing an extended piece of coursework, or non-examined assessment (NEA) as part of A-Level History is no easy task. In fact, it's probably...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:22 PM
How do we get students to write analysis like historians in their #history coursework?
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
How do we get students to write analysis like historians in their #history coursework?
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
A-Level History Coursework: 8 Traps Students Fall Into (and 8 Ways to Avoid Them)
Writing an extended piece of coursework, or non-examined assessment (NEA) as part of A-Level History is no easy task. In fact, it's probably...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:22 PM
How do we get students to write analysis like historians in their #history coursework?
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
Here are 8 of the most common traps they seem to fall into, with 8 suggestions of how to avoid them
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-le...
#EduSky #historyteacher
A fascist candidate for a fascist party. You need to pinch yourself to remember this is Britain in 2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform byelection candidate refuses to disown claim that people born in UK not necessarily British
Matthew Goodwin, who is standing in Gorton and Denton, said UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds were not always British
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:04 PM
A fascist candidate for a fascist party. You need to pinch yourself to remember this is Britain in 2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Can one story be used to introduce upcoming #history enquiry?
I've rolled an approach out to KS5 this year. Results positive from first run - good engagement and focus w little l time cost
More on approach 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#historyteacher #EduSky #historyeducation
I've rolled an approach out to KS5 this year. Results positive from first run - good engagement and focus w little l time cost
More on approach 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#historyteacher #EduSky #historyeducation
Telling Stories at A-Level: Chekhov, the Cholera, and the Contempt
Stories, it seems, are in vogue in the History classroom. And for good reason. Telling a gripping tale, as Christine Counsell has recently...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Can one story be used to introduce upcoming #history enquiry?
I've rolled an approach out to KS5 this year. Results positive from first run - good engagement and focus w little l time cost
More on approach 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#historyteacher #EduSky #historyeducation
I've rolled an approach out to KS5 this year. Results positive from first run - good engagement and focus w little l time cost
More on approach 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#historyteacher #EduSky #historyeducation
This would be a very important step, but also has to be coupled with a nationwide policy of making schools phone-free zones. The impact on young people's mental health and development is obvious and can't be ignored any more
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...
Ban social media for under-16s, top teaching union urges UK government
NASUWT says evidence growing that unregulated access affects behaviour in school and harms mental health
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 11:13 AM
This would be a very important step, but also has to be coupled with a nationwide policy of making schools phone-free zones. The impact on young people's mental health and development is obvious and can't be ignored any more
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...
Holocaust Memorial Day is little over two weeks away. It's crucial this centres on Holocaust. It must also address genocide since.
As last year #HMDT has banned discussion of #Gaza. If this concerns you, here are some thoughts
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#historyteacher #EduSky
As last year #HMDT has banned discussion of #Gaza. If this concerns you, here are some thoughts
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#historyteacher #EduSky
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Prohibits Discussion of Gaza (Again): One Teacher’s Response
Over the past two years, a number of teachers and educators have watched with alarm and frustration as the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust ( H...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Holocaust Memorial Day is little over two weeks away. It's crucial this centres on Holocaust. It must also address genocide since.
As last year #HMDT has banned discussion of #Gaza. If this concerns you, here are some thoughts
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#historyteacher #EduSky
As last year #HMDT has banned discussion of #Gaza. If this concerns you, here are some thoughts
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#historyteacher #EduSky
Any #teacher dads in the UK - how much paternity leave did your schools give you? Seems that teaching is at bottom of the pile (in a country which is itself bottom of pile in Europe) for pat leave. I'd be interested to know if that's the case in ppl's experience! TIA
#EduSky
#EduSky
January 9, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
Diversifying and decolonising A-Level Russian/Soviet #history
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
December 21, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Diversifying and decolonising A-Level Russian/Soviet #history
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
Diversifying and decolonising A-Level Russian/Soviet #history
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
December 21, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Diversifying and decolonising A-Level Russian/Soviet #history
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
Free and fully funded #historyteacher CPD event - 24th January 2026, University of Birmingham!
Sign up here: shorturl.at/DmNVO
#EduSky
If you thought having Boris and Truss leading the country was embarrassing, just imagine having to explain to friends from other countries that this turd has just been made PM
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Nigel Farage denies saying anything racist ‘with malice’ as he attacks BBC
Reform UK leader launches tirade against broadcaster in latest effort to address claims of abuse from school contemporaries
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM
If you thought having Boris and Truss leading the country was embarrassing, just imagine having to explain to friends from other countries that this turd has just been made PM
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The UAE is well known to be actively supplying military equipment to the #RSF, committing genocide in #Darfur
Meanwhile, UK-produced military equipment has been found in Darfur, used by the RSF
Excellent explanation of links between Western govts and genocide in Darfur
caat.org.uk/news/genocid...
Meanwhile, UK-produced military equipment has been found in Darfur, used by the RSF
Excellent explanation of links between Western govts and genocide in Darfur
caat.org.uk/news/genocid...
CAAT - Genocide in Sudan, the role of the UAE, and the complicity of the west
The Rapid Support Forces militia is committing genocide in Darfur in western Sudan, in the course of its civil war with Sudan's military rulers. The RSF is armed by the United Arab Emirates, a western...
caat.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The UAE is well known to be actively supplying military equipment to the #RSF, committing genocide in #Darfur
Meanwhile, UK-produced military equipment has been found in Darfur, used by the RSF
Excellent explanation of links between Western govts and genocide in Darfur
caat.org.uk/news/genocid...
Meanwhile, UK-produced military equipment has been found in Darfur, used by the RSF
Excellent explanation of links between Western govts and genocide in Darfur
caat.org.uk/news/genocid...
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has refused to acknowledge atrocities in Gaza, Israel once again.
This is at odds with HMDT mission and contradicts its principles of commemoration.
My response as #teacher 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#EduSky #HMD2026 #HMDT #Gaza #Israel #genocide
This is at odds with HMDT mission and contradicts its principles of commemoration.
My response as #teacher 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#EduSky #HMD2026 #HMDT #Gaza #Israel #genocide
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Prohibits Discussion of Gaza (Again): One Teacher’s Response
Over the past two years, a number of teachers and educators have watched with alarm and frustration as the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust ( H...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Fantastic to hear the brilliant Shane O'Rourke speak for the @histassoc.bsky.social this evening - if you teach Russian and Soviet History, it's well worth catching up on when the webinar comes into HA website!
November 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Fantastic to hear the brilliant Shane O'Rourke speak for the @histassoc.bsky.social this evening - if you teach Russian and Soviet History, it's well worth catching up on when the webinar comes into HA website!
Since the BBC appears to have been bullied into silence, here is #RutgerBregman Reith Lecture line that they pulled.
What is the purpose of a public broadcaster that does the bidding of a fascist?
www.linkedin.com/posts/rutger...
What is the purpose of a public broadcaster that does the bidding of a fascist?
www.linkedin.com/posts/rutger...
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor the opening lecture of a series they invited me to deliver.
They removed the sentence in which I describe Donald Trump as “the… ...
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor the opening lecture of a series they invited me to deliver.
They removed the sentence in which I describe Donald Trump as “the m...
www.linkedin.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Since the BBC appears to have been bullied into silence, here is #RutgerBregman Reith Lecture line that they pulled.
What is the purpose of a public broadcaster that does the bidding of a fascist?
www.linkedin.com/posts/rutger...
What is the purpose of a public broadcaster that does the bidding of a fascist?
www.linkedin.com/posts/rutger...
The Holodomor (great Ukrainian famine) under Stalin is relatively well known, but a terrible famine in was underway in Kazakhstan at the same time.
Brilliant radio documentary from #BBCWorldService
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#history #HistoryTeacher #EduSky
Brilliant radio documentary from #BBCWorldService
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#history #HistoryTeacher #EduSky
The Documentary Podcast - The great hunger: Stalin's famine in Kazakhstan - BBC Sounds
The Kazakhs who came through one of the worst man-made famines the world has seen
www.bbc.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The Holodomor (great Ukrainian famine) under Stalin is relatively well known, but a terrible famine in was underway in Kazakhstan at the same time.
Brilliant radio documentary from #BBCWorldService
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#history #HistoryTeacher #EduSky
Brilliant radio documentary from #BBCWorldService
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#history #HistoryTeacher #EduSky
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has refused to acknowledge atrocities in Gaza, Israel once again.
This is at odds with HMDT mission and contradicts its principles of commemoration.
My response as #teacher 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#EduSky #HMD2026 #HMDT #Gaza #Israel #genocide
This is at odds with HMDT mission and contradicts its principles of commemoration.
My response as #teacher 👇
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/11/holo...
#EduSky #HMD2026 #HMDT #Gaza #Israel #genocide
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Prohibits Discussion of Gaza (Again): One Teacher’s Response
Over the past two years, a number of teachers and educators have watched with alarm and frustration as the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust ( H...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
How and with what effect can stories be used to introduce enquiry questions in #history?
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Telling Stories at A-Level: Chekhov, the Cholera, and the Contempt
Stories, it seems, are in vogue in the History classroom. And for good reason. Telling a gripping tale, as Christine Counsell has recently...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:21 PM
How and with what effect can stories be used to introduce enquiry questions in #history?
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
How and with what effect can stories be used to introduce enquiry questions in #history?
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Telling Stories at A-Level: Chekhov, the Cholera, and the Contempt
Stories, it seems, are in vogue in the History classroom. And for good reason. Telling a gripping tale, as Christine Counsell has recently...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:21 PM
How and with what effect can stories be used to introduce enquiry questions in #history?
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Following @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social's excellent @histassoc.bsky.social Teaching History article on telling stories at KS5
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/10/tell...
#EduSky
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
Teachers of Russian and Soviet history!
Join us in Manchester this November for unique @histassoc.bsky.social event with 3 world-leading scholars to discuss pedagogical approaches to teaching Russian and Soviet cultures, gender and sexualities
www.history.org.uk/secondary/ca...
Join us in Manchester this November for unique @histassoc.bsky.social event with 3 world-leading scholars to discuss pedagogical approaches to teaching Russian and Soviet cultures, gender and sexualities
www.history.org.uk/secondary/ca...
Sex, symbols, gods, devils: teaching Russian and Soviet cultures, gender, and sexualities
www.history.org.uk
July 15, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Teachers of Russian and Soviet history!
Join us in Manchester this November for unique @histassoc.bsky.social event with 3 world-leading scholars to discuss pedagogical approaches to teaching Russian and Soviet cultures, gender and sexualities
www.history.org.uk/secondary/ca...
Join us in Manchester this November for unique @histassoc.bsky.social event with 3 world-leading scholars to discuss pedagogical approaches to teaching Russian and Soviet cultures, gender and sexualities
www.history.org.uk/secondary/ca...
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
Last year #HMDT refused to recognise mass killing in #Gaza, #Israel in commemorating genocide since 1945 for #HolocaustMemorialDay.
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
September 28, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Last year #HMDT refused to recognise mass killing in #Gaza, #Israel in commemorating genocide since 1945 for #HolocaustMemorialDay.
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
Last year #HMDT refused to recognise mass killing in #Gaza, #Israel in commemorating genocide since 1945 for #HolocaustMemorialDay.
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
September 28, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Last year #HMDT refused to recognise mass killing in #Gaza, #Israel in commemorating genocide since 1945 for #HolocaustMemorialDay.
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
This contravenes mission of HMDT. It must not happen again.
I have written to #HMDT and urge educators do same. Letter and template follow 👇
#historyteacher #EduSky
Really excited to read this from @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social! A really important question being asked - what can the role of storytelling be in #history teaching?
September 25, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Really excited to read this from @citoyenneclaire.bsky.social and @jcarrollhistory.bsky.social! A really important question being asked - what can the role of storytelling be in #history teaching?
Yep. And jail time would be most welcome for international war criminals and their backers who wash their corrupt wealth through sports teams. We can but hope...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Independent Football Regulator could seek prison sentences for rogue club owners
Rogue owners in English football could be imprisoned for the most serious violations of the Football Governance Act under plans set out by the new IFR
www.theguardian.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Yep. And jail time would be most welcome for international war criminals and their backers who wash their corrupt wealth through sports teams. We can but hope...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Alistair Dickins
On this day in #history 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering war with Britain and France.
But was this really the start of #WWII? Reflections on the chronology of war (case of #USSR)
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...
But was this really the start of #WWII? Reflections on the chronology of war (case of #USSR)
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...
The Soviet Union at War: Contested Chronologies of World War Two
Dates of events might be considered objective facts, open to neither debate nor contestation. Yet periodisation – that is, setting the st...
istorikteach.blogspot.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:58 AM
On this day in #history 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering war with Britain and France.
But was this really the start of #WWII? Reflections on the chronology of war (case of #USSR)
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...
But was this really the start of #WWII? Reflections on the chronology of war (case of #USSR)
istorikteach.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...