Subject Leader for History – Mel Portlock
My name is Mel Portlock, and I am the History Lead at Scartho Gateway Academy. History has always been a passion of mine, and I have been fortunate enough to lead the subject both here at Scartho Gateway Academy and for five years at my previous school, Pilgrim Academy. I believe that the more children learn about the past, the more they develop an understanding of themselves, their families, their communities and the wider world around them.
My passion for History began when I was in primary school and took part in a day at Elsham Hall, where we experienced life as Victorian children in a Victorian classroom. The experience felt so authentic that it completely changed the way I viewed the subject. I realised that History is not simply a collection of stories about things that happened long ago; it is about understanding what life was really like for people in the past and recognising that evidence of their lives can still be seen all around us today.
Some of my favourite topics to teach are the Great Fire of London and inspirational historical figures such as Florence Nightingale. I love exploring how significant events have shaped the world we live in and how individuals can make a lasting difference. Florence Nightingale, in particular, demonstrates how determination, courage and a desire to help others can overcome barriers and inspire future generations. I also have a real passion for local history, as it allows us to explore how our own community has changed over time and imagine what life might have been like for the people who lived here before us.
My vision for History at Scartho Gateway Academy is for children to develop a secure understanding of chronology and how different periods of history connect. This is why we have our fantastic visual timeline of significant historical events and people displayed along our corridor. I want children to be able to place events in context, compare different periods and appreciate the vast timescales involved in human history. For example, understanding the time between the Roman occupation of Britain and the first Moon landing helps children to recognise just how much the world has changed. By exploring developments in homes, living conditions, technology and everyday tools, children can also begin to understand how and why society has evolved over time.
Above all, I want every child to feel excited, curious and inspired by History. I want them to ask questions, investigate evidence, challenge their thinking and develop a genuine interest in the lives of people who came before them. By understanding the past, children can make greater sense of the present and begin to consider how they might shape the future. My ultimate aim is to bring History to life, helping children recognise that the past is not something distant or disconnected from them, but a story of which they are a part.
Subject Information
History Assessment - Key Stage 1
History Assessment - Lower Key Stage 2
History Assessment - Upper Key Stage 2