Our Mission
Our mission at Parallel Histories is to empower school students so that they can think critically, to analyse and debate contested histories. By developing their critical thinking, oracy skills and self-confidence students are equipped with the skills to navigate conflicting narratives. Our resources cut through the rising tide of populism, helping young people to participate in healthy, civic and democratic society.
How we work
Parallel Histories is an educational charity that helps teachers, and their students engage in evidence led investigation and debate of controversial histories in schools. We provide the educational means to do this safely. In a world where social media algorithms shape our news feeds and reinforce existing views and prejudices, the need for critical thinking, knowledge, free speech and open debate is ever more pressing.
At Parallel Histories, students navigate sensitive topics by going back to historical sources when investigating the causes of conflict. Our dual narrative approach provides the starting point for investigation into the historical controversy as each side tells it, first from one position and then from the other. In the process stereotypes are disrupted and preconceptions challenged. Students learn how to question historical claims and identify the difference between proportionate and disproportionate claims.
Over time they build a nuanced understanding of how histories have been constructed, perhaps as a means of shaping the identities that lie at the heart of conflict. The teacher’s role is as guide in how to analyse sources as evidence, rather than as arbiter of truth. Students form their own historical claims which they articulate in debate.
Our non-competitive debates provide a safe platform for free speech, both online and face to face. Young people learn how to communicate ideas respectfully and how to disagree agreeably. Through careful listening and exchange of ideas they grow to recognise that despite differences of opinion they can hold much in common. We write and publish premium quality educational resources in downloadable e-book and video formats, and physical books. We run free online debates for schools across the UK and many other countries and frequent ‘in person’ debates.
The proven impact of this process is that young people learn how to think without being told what to think. Their views are informed by precise knowledge and a greater sensitivity and tolerance to views different to their own. Not only does our approach develop the skills of the historian, it also empowers their engagement as active citizens in a pluralistic democracy. Parallel Histories promotes excellent employability skills; critical thinking, oracy and confidence.
More broadly, we bring young people together to collaborate across community divides through research and debate. By giving oxygen to discussion of the controversial topics that divide society, we build social cohesion.
View our educational resources here:
Interested in Parallel Histories? Email your comments and questions to: hugh@parallelhistories.org.uk
