In a testament to her excellence in teaching, Rydal Penrhos History teacher Mrs Freeman will deliver a workshop to fellow experts and educators at a major conference later this year.

At Rydal Penrhos, we are fortunate to have outstanding teachers throughout the school, providing top-quality education to our pupils and igniting their passion for learning. Now, one of our inspirational teachers will share her approach with fellow educators.

We are thrilled to announce that Rydal Penrhos History teacher Mrs Maria Freeman will be taking centre stage at the upcoming Historical Association (HA) Annual Conference 2024.

Set to take place in Birmingham on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th May 2024, this prestigious event promises to be a hub of intellectual exchange and professional development for history educators.

The HA Annual Conference serves as a platform for professionals across the historical spectrum to engage with the latest research and teaching methodologies.

Covering a diverse array of subjects including environmental history, women’s history, assessment, and historical scholarship, the conference aims to provide valuable CPD opportunities for both early-career and seasoned educators.

Mrs Freeman, our Faculty Leader for the Humanities, will be among a distinguished line-up of speakers hailing from renowned institutions such as the University of Oxford, UNESCO, the University of York, and The National Archives.

Her workshop, titled ‘Finding the Fun in A-Level History – An Escape Room Experience,’ will introduce teachers to new approaches to the A-Level curriculum.

Mrs Freeman said: “I have found A-Level lessons to be awfully stuffy sometimes, particularly revision lessons, and as a result I have spent a few years developing fun, competitive-type lessons and escape room experiences. Pupils love it and it allows them to recall and revise vast amounts of content in a way that reminds them why they chose history.”

Mrs Freeman’s participation underscores her position at the forefront of history teaching.

Just over a year ago, the talented educator secured her Chartered Teacher of History (CTHist) status, further demonstrating her commitment to pedagogical excellence and ongoing professional development.

We are immensely proud to have Mrs Freeman represent Rydal Penrhos at the HA Annual Conference 2024. Her innovative approach to teaching reflects the school’s constant pursuit of excellence; an approach that has enabled our pupils to flourish and secure the best examination results.