Teach First
How to teach Transatlantic Slavery in schools
This presentation would explore the development and educational application of a newly published book for schools, Transatlantic Slavery: Impact and Legacy – A Case Study of Liverpool, which I co-authored with other educators. Spanning the period from 1650 to the present day, the book offers a detailed, accessible exploration of Liverpool’s central role in the transatlantic slavery and the enduring legacies of slavery in the nation’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.
Curated by teachers across the region, this resource supports both primary and secondary teaching through a framework grounded in historical enquiry and anti-racist pedagogy. Rather than presenting a static narrative, the book is designed to spark discussion, critical thinking, and empathy, and to provide young people with the tools to engage meaningfully with a complex and often challenging subject.
This presentation will highlight the research underpinning the book, our approach to handling sensitive content with historical integrity, and the pedagogical decisions involved in creating inclusive, debate-driven materials.
Drawing inspiration from Sir Geoffrey Palmer’s words—“we can’t change the past, but we can change the consequences of it through better education”—and Sathnam Sanghera’s view that “if we understand this history, it brings us closer together”, this work aims to unite rather than divide. By promoting understanding and social cohesion, the project demonstrates the powerful role history education can play in shaping a more informed and inclusive society.