How American Indian expert brings history to life for Sunderland GCSE pupils

Scores of history pupils saw their subject brought to life thanks to a visit from an American Indian expert.

Published 2nd Mar 2020, 16:00 BST

Updated 3rd Mar 2020, 16:44 BST

Farringdon Academy's North American history assembly.

Alan Blackhorse, who tours schools nationwide, dressed in native costume and performed traditional songs and dances at Farringdon Community Academy, in Allendale Road, Farringdon.

More than 100 Year 10 and 11 GCSE history pupils watched and then had the opportunity to ask him questions about the American Indian culture.

Tracey Urch, the head of the secondary school’s humanities department, said: “The pupils are doing a section on the development of the American West as part of their GCSE studies.

Farringdon Academy's GCSE history pupils learn more about North America's culture.

“So we found a speaker to bring it to life with the artefacts he brought, the headdress and costume he wore and the singing and dances he performed.

“The pupils seemed to really enjoy it from their facial expressions and were inquisitive when they had the chance to ask questions.”

GCSE