Welcome

... to this first edition of Giraldus, the magazine for teachers and learners of WJEC History. The magazine has been developed in order to facilitate discussions about the study of history as outlined in the various WJEC specifications. We hope to use it to enable learners to reach their full potential in the subject, and also to show how the skills they will develop in History are useful in their everyday lives.

We also hope to hear from you: to find out your interests and what you would like from WJEC History. For issues specific to the magazine, you can email us directly at giraldus@wjec.co.uk

Finally we'd like to thank all the contributors to this first edition, all of whom have given their time and expertise for free.

Cover, above and right: the Neolithic burial ground at St Lythan’s, Vale of Glamorgan. Credit: Neil Evans Opposite: Gerald of Wales, St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire. Credit: Wolfgang Sauber – CC BY-SA 3.0

Finding a name for a new magazine was not so easy – particularly for one that will be published in two languages. Thinking about titles threw up a wide range of possibilities, but one that worked well in both Welsh and English was tricky. We found the perfect compromise in naming our magazine after someone whose name is synonymous with medieval Welsh history: Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerallt Cymro/Gerald of Wales).

Born c.1145 in Manorbier Castle, Giraldus was the grandson of Princess Nest, sometimes referred to as the “Helen of Wales” not only for her beauty but also because she was once kidnapped by an eager suitor. Giraldus was part Welsh, part Norman and, typical of his time, was educated in Wales, England and France. Ordained as a priest, his ambition was to be appointed Bishop of St David’s, and then to persuade Pope Innocent III to elevate the bishopric to the same status as Canterbury. This would have made Giraldus the Archbishop of Wales. To support his case, Giraldus wrote extensively on Welsh history; but let’s say that his recounting of the past was not entirely accurate, although he made much of the lineage of the Welsh princes. He also wrote about the geography of Wales as well as the social and economic conditions of its people. Although he never did achieve his ambition, history has been kind to him in that his name has come down to us across the centuries and we remember him fondly.

CONTENTS

Previous page and right: decorative detail and statuary from the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción y San Felipe y Santiago de Montevideo Credit: Neil Evans

Welcome 2

Why study History? What can History do for you? 6

An introduction to GCSE 10 An introduction to A-level 11

Fake news? 12 Working with sources and interpretations: in AS and A-level history

Q&A 18

History and me How the study of history has shaped the career of Daniela Senés

News and updates Including an update on the NEA

The Kossuth Connection Developing national consciousness

Patterns of migration Focus: Cardiff Bay 19

21

22

26

The view from the classroom 29 Teaching History in light of the Black Lives Matter movement