Headline History

Headline History is a series of interactive virtual newspapers from specific periods in history, covering the Romans, the Tudors, the Victorians and World War Two.

Children from all over England can become reporters or picture editors, with their teachers acting as the newspaper editor, setting pupils tasks as though they were running a newsroom.

Created by Derby-based Northcliffe Electronic Publishing, Headline History maps to areas of the National Curriculum, enhancing Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils' understanding of subjects such as history, ICT and English.

Each newspaper has a number of interfaces to suit different ages and abilities and wherever possible the virtual newspapers will contain a local element so children will be able to absorb and explore local history.

The site (www.headlinehistory.co.uk) was launched in June with a focus on the East Midlands region and Victorian content. In October 2004, content for the Romans, Tudors and World War Two was added. It is brought to life with Flash technology and each of the four eras offers six exciting editions for Key Stage 2 pupils.

There are gripping, true stories of mass murderers, Roman armies, harsh living conditions, life for evacuees and much more. There are surprises on every page including Pathe news footage and sound bites from people who lived during that time.

The most interactive element brings to life 120 historical characters, 30 from each era, such as Charles Dickens and Emperor Nero, through streaming video. Actors and actual Pathe footage of people like Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower have been used to create the videos. Children can take on the role of roving reporters and interview witnesses to the front page stories, before writing their own version.

Newspaper adverts revealing fascinating facts and a fun timeline add to the wealth of regional and national content waiting to be explored.

Weekly-updated details of historically-themed events and venues in the East Midlands (and eventually nationally) aim to inspire families to continue their journey in the real cultural world by visiting places such as museums, castles and local studies libraries.

Next year a roll-out is due across the English regions followed by the final phase, which is aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils.

Headline History is produced by Northcliffe Electronic Publishing, the Internet division of the Northcliffe Newspapers Group, publishers of an extensive network of local papers and part of the Daily Mail and General Trust Group.