Katie Ross

Time Travel Through Your TV: If your child loves History, this is for you!

This week, I bring you a "Cinematic Time Machine," where history comes to life through the magic of film!

If history is one of your child’s favourite subjects, have a look through the list of films and documentaries below to find some ideas for holiday viewing. The documentaries will give your child a sound introduction to some key events in history, but the films too can also help to teach your child about the past. While the content of films isn’t always a meticulous, factually solid account of past events, they are based on facts and they set the scene, tell the story and add to your child’s general knowledge.

If your child loves history, ignite his or her curiosity with an entertaining window into the past.

FILMS

Spartacus (PG) 1960

Epic historical drama that tells the story of Spartacus, a Thracian slave who leads a revolt against the oppressive Roman Republic. The film follows his journey from enslavement to becoming the leader of a massive slave uprising, challenging the might of Rome. A film on a grand scale, which explores the themes of freedom, rebellion and the struggle for justice.

 

Madness of King George (PG) 1994

Ageing King George III of England is exhibiting signs of madness, a problem little understood in 1788. As the monarch alternates between bouts of confusion and near-violent outbursts of temper, his doctors attempt the ineffectual cures of the day. Meanwhile, Queen Charlotte and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger attempt to prevent the King's political enemies, led by the Prince of Wales, from usurping the throne.

 

Amazing Grace (PG) 2006

In 18th-century England, House of Commons member William Wilberforce and his close friend and a future prime minister, William Pitt, begin a lengthy battle to abolish Great Britain's slave trade.

 

Gandhi (PG) 1982

The story of Mahatma Gandhi, from young lawyer to leader of India's non-violent independence movement against British colonial rule. Gandhi is initially dismissed by English officials but eventually he and his cause become internationally renowned, and his gatherings of passive protest move India towards independence.

 

The Imitation Game (12) 2014

Based loosely on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, this film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

 

The Great Escape (PG) 1963

In 1943, the Germans opened Stalag Luft III, a maximum-security prisoner-of-war camp designed to hold even the cleverest escape artists. In doing so, however, the finest escape team in military history was assembled and they worked on what became the largest prison breakout ever attempted. Based on a true story. An old film - but a great one. Who can forget Tom, Dick and Harry?

 

Darkest Hour (PG) 2017

In the early days of World War II, Winston Churchill, the newly appointed British prime minister, must decide on whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds. During four weeks in 1940, Churchill cements his legacy as his courageous decisions and leadership help change the course of world history.

 

Apollo 13 (PG) 1995

Based on the real events of the Apollo 13 lunar mission. Everything is going according to plan after leaving Earth's orbit but when the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage, the scheduled moon landing is called off and numerous technical problems threaten the astronauts' survival and their safe return to Earth.

 

 DOCUMENTARIES 

 

Florence Nightingale: Nursing Pioneer 

This film follows the life of a Florence Nightingale, an extraordinary woman who revolutionised modern nursing and whose legacy continues to benefit millions. Born into a rich English family, she broke through social and gender barriers to work in a profession previously reserved for men. She was a trailblazer who led a group of nurses to care for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War and developed revolutionary views about hygiene and sanitation. (On BBCiPlayer)

 

Julius Caesar - The Making of A Dictator 

He came. He saw. He conquered. The tale of an ambitious power-grab that turned to tyranny. How Julius Caesar dismantled five centuries of ancient Roman democracy in just 16 years. Three episodes on BBC iPlayer.

 

Lucy Worsley - History’s Biggest Fibs … and more

The Reformation, The War of the Roses, The Spanish Armada, Queen Anne and the Union, The French Revolution, George IV and the Regency, The Russian Revolution. All covered brilliantly by Lucy Worsley, a highly acclaimed historical broadcaster especially recommended for young historians. (On BBCiPlayer)

 

And don't forget staples like Horrible Histories. Many of today's university students started here 😉

 

COACHING AND RESOURCES

This time every year, I receive enquiries from parents of 10 and 12 year olds, looking to gain a place at 11+ and 13+ entry into some of the best independent and grammar schools in London and the best boarding schools in England. For many children, there will be a school specific entrance test and an interview and I am often asked to provide a list of resources that will enrich a child’s knowledge in an area of interest. If you think your child would benefit from one of my bespoke resource lists, do get in touch to find out more.