This theme explores how the past continues to influence our lives and our societies today. 

It looks at monuments, traditions, objects, memories and historical places that connect us with previous generations. 

You will also think about how societies preserve and interpret their heritage, including difficult or painful parts of history. 

Through different texts, images and situations, you will discover how remembering the past can help people understand the present, build a shared memory and sometimes move towards reconciliation.

Check you understand all the vocabulary before doing the activities.

the past ► the time before the present.

the present ► the time that is happening now.

historical legacy ► the lasting effects, ideas or institutions inherited from the past.

cultural heritage ► traditions, customs, beliefs and cultural practices passed down from previous generations.

tangible heritage ► physical objects and places from the past, such as monuments, buildings or artefacts.

intangible heritage ► traditions, skills, knowledge and practices inherited from previous generations.

historical memory ► the way people remember and interpret past events.

collective memory ► memories of the past shared by a group, community or society.

remembrance ► the act of remembering and honouring people or events from the past.

commemoration ► an event or ceremony held to remember an important person or historical event.

a memorial ► a structure, object or place created to remember a person or event.

a monument ► a building, statue or structure built to honour a person, event or historical period.

a historical site ► a place that has an important connection with the past.

an artefact ► an object made or used by people in the past that provides information about history.

architecture ► the art and design of buildings and other structures.

a sculpture ► a three-dimensional work of art made from materials such as stone, metal or wood.

preservation ► the act of protecting something from damage, destruction or disappearance.

conservation ► the careful protection and maintenance of cultural or historical objects and places.

restoration ► the process of repairing something old or damaged and returning it as closely as possible to its original condition.

historical evidence ► information, objects or documents that help us understand and prove what happened in the past.

a colonial past ► a period in a country’s history when it controlled, or was controlled by, another territory or power.

Indigenous culture ► the traditions, beliefs, languages and ways of life of the original peoples of a place.

historical injustice ► unfair or harmful treatment that took place in the past.

oppression ► cruel or unfair treatment of a group of people, often by those in power.

conflict ► a serious disagreement or struggle between people, groups or countries.

reconciliation ► the process of rebuilding peaceful and respectful relationships after conflict or injustice.

recognition ► the act of officially accepting or acknowledging the importance, rights or suffering of someone or something.

to acknowledge the past ► to accept and openly recognise what happened in the past.

to preserve heritage ► to protect historical and cultural traditions, objects and places for the future.

to learn from the past ► to use knowledge of previous events to make better choices in the present or future.

Now, play the games to memorize your vocabulary!