Thinking Like Historians: Year 5 Explore Primary Sources

A recent visit to Kresen Kernow has brought history vividly to life for Year 5 pupils at Truro School Prep, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of hands-on learning within our Humanities curriculum.

Mrs Sally Luxton, Head of Humanities at Truro School Prep, explains why experiences like this are such a valued and vital part of pupils’ education.

“History is not a single, fixed story,” she says. “By comparing different, sometimes conflicting sources, the children learn that history can be interpreted in various ways and that accounts can be subjective.”

Kresen Kernow, home to an archive of more than 1.5 million items, provided a rich and immersive backdrop for the Year 5 trip. From maps and photographs to diaries, letters and artefacts, the collection offered pupils a rare opportunity to engage directly with the past.

During their visit, the children explored a range of primary sources from Tudor Cornwall, some dating back over 500 years. This hands-on experience helped them form a more personal connection with the people and events of the Tudor period.

Among the most striking artefacts was a handwritten account of Queen Mary I’s execution. Spanning several pages in intricate copperplate script, the document proved challenging to read, yet its dramatic content captured the pupils’ attention. The account reinforced their understanding of the harsh and often brutal punishments of the time, while also prompting thoughtful discussion about religion and royal succession.

Another highlight was the chance to see the signature of Henry VIII on a letter authorising the re-siting of Kea Parish Church. Having already studied the Tudor monarch in the classroom, pupils were excited to witness a tangible link to history.

“It was wonderful for them to experience a real moment from the past,” Mrs Luxton noted. “To know that Henry VIII himself had written on that very page made their learning feel immediate and real.”

The visit also included a letter from Sir Walter Raleigh discussing coastal defences in Fowey, and the opportunity to handle replica Tudor royal seals. Pupils enthusiastically identified key symbols, including the Tudor rose, fleur-de-lys, crown, orb and sceptre, deepening their understanding of royal imagery and authority.

Themes such as the changing roles of women in Tudor society also emerged during the session. From expectations of riding side saddle to the limitations surrounding women’s wills, pupils gained insight into the social structures of the time.

Beyond the historical knowledge gained, the trip helped pupils develop essential academic skills. By working with primary sources, they practised careful observation, questioning and deduction, all of which are key elements of critical thinking and historical enquiry.

“The children showed real curiosity and engagement,” Mrs Luxton added. “They were asking thoughtful questions and making perceptive connections. It will be exciting to see how this experience enriches their learning back in the classroom.”

The visit to Kresen Kernow is an example of the understanding at Truro School that experiential learning can deepen understanding, spark curiosity and bring history to life for young learners.