Making history at school: pupils search for clues into their families’ past

Queensbridge Primary School pupils with Shobu Kapoor and Colin McFarlane

Students from Queensbridge and Grasmere primary schools last month took part in a project to find out more about their family histories during World War One.

The Making History charity project saw pupils become history ‘detectives’, researching their immediate and extended families using digital technology supplied by genealogy specialists MyHeritage and Findmypast.

The project was started by actor Colin McFarlane in 2011, and he and fellow actor Shobu Kapoor assisted the children with their research.

The pupils will now make films about their discoveries – with the help of students from the University of East London students – which will then be screened at the BFI in February.

Lucie, a Year 6 pupil at Grasmere, said: My eyes have been opened to a different world and I feel privileged to be part of such a wonderful family history.”

Mr McFarlane added: Understanding where you come from is vital to break down barriers between class, cultures and generations, connecting us all.”