Invasion, Plague & Murder - Student Book (Second Edition)
"One of the best laid out history books for a long time. Well resourced and lovely pictures. It is easy to read and most pupils would enjoy using it. The bitesize bits of information focuses on the most important facts in history. The layout relates easily to today making the book understandable and relevant to young people today, which also clearly meets the needs of all pupils. The assessment sections are excellent. Would recommend this as a good resource for schools to have."
- TES Review Bank, April 09
Renaissance, Revolution & Reformation - Student Book (Second Edition)
"…the cartoon illustrations and the ‘stop to think, relate this to yourself’ type questions are very engaging, especially for the younger user…The overall layout and use of primary information sources is very effective, as are the ‘work’ sections. The book is an easy read with mission objectives clearly set out, sections which reinforce the key words and information, it also shows the gory stuff too, children love that. I liked the fact that analytical skills are greatly encouraged throughout, I learned one or two things along the way too, the information is presented in a colourful, exciting, easy to imagine yourself there, manner."
- TES Review Bank, Jan 09
5 STARS! "This is a fabulous, child-friendly history book. It is my 11-yr old's school history text book and she loves it so much that I bought her a copy of her own and intend to build up the range for her. The facts are all in there but presented in a fun, light-hearted manner with great diagrams - the gruesome after-effects of the beauty treatments of the day are a particular favourite!"
- January 2008 - Amazon
Industry, Reform & Empire - Student Book (Second Edition)
"…the choice of topics is interesting - from the Agricultural, Industrial and Transport Revolutions to sections on Jack the Ripper, the birth of professional sport in Victorian Britain, the impact of Darwin’s theories and the birth of Cadbury’s…All in all this seems a very strong contender to be adopted for any secondary school History department, and I will certainly be considering it for my own school."
- TES Review Bank, March 09
Teacher Testimonials
“After purchasing Invasion, Plague & Murder for Year 7 three years ago I was impressed by the layout and format of the text book. Its pictures, text and diagrams grabbed the pupils' attention straight away. It encouraged them to investigate further. It sparked their imagination and gave them the impetus to extend their study. The book, together with the software, tempted my less motivated boys to create their own worksheets and computer generated work. Its simple clear style allowed less able pupils to work alongside the more gifted pupils to complete work that gave evidence of progress in historical research and writing. After the success of this first book I was eager to complete the set and update to the newer versions so now we are able to provide the whole of Key Stage 3 with an exciting and very visual tool that generates interest and enjoyment in history. This together with the excellent service I have received from Folens and its agents have allowed me to promote History to young people who lacked the stimulus to investigate many important 'History Changing' topics. Will look forward with interest to any other developments in this series of books.”
- R Adie, HoD at Colmers School & Sports College
“The Folens's Books have been a huge success at the school, clear and concise text, excellent selection of source material, cartoons that allow all to access elements of the topics being covered, major aspects of the new curriculum and assessment are well laid out and of a standard that covers the ability range at KS3 & 4. I unreservedly recommend them to any History Departments.”
– Mr. R Laing, HoD at Hookergate Comprehensive School
“The Folens KS3 texts are colourful and informative. They offer fun activities for a variety of ability levels. I have never had a pupil complain about their Folens text book! We have used and adapted a wide range of active learning/thinking skills exercises which are now an integral part of our work schemes. Well worth the money.”
– Mrs. L Jamieson, HoD at Kenton School
“I have used the Folens Key Stage 3 History Series for several years at two Comprehensive Schools. The books provide a useful chronological framework for any History Department. The latest editions include learning objectives and success criteria, and there are also sections which encourage independent learning. Most topics are covered in colourful two page spreads which are ideal for a lesson. Key words and meanings are included, and the books are easy to use for non specialist staff.”
- A Riley, HoD at Shuttleworth College
“I have taught History for 30 years in four comprehensive schools. We started using the new Folens History textbooks in 2008. These are clearly the best history textbooks on the market. We like them because they draw on some of the best ideas from the classic history textbooks of the last two decades but with a modern twist. They are superbly presented with eye catching pictures and engaging narrative. We devise our own tasks but the textbook tasks are excellent. We have many non specialist teachers at Key Stage 3. They really appreciate these books. These books along with our e learning resources have taken us into the 21st century!”
- R Pritchard, HoD at The Sir Bernard Lovell School, November 2009
“The Folens textbooks have been fantastically useful to our department in planning and delivering our Key Stage 3 History curriculum. They are bright, colourful and attractive as well as having a good mix of different activities to suit different ability ranges. The activities are often inspiring in terms of giving us new ideas for delivering a topic. The language and skills used help the pupils develop their History vocabulary and skills well.”
- R Easey, HoD at Davison CE High School for Girls
“The new editions of 'Invasion, Plague and Murder' and 'Renaissance, Reformation and Revolution' from the Folens History series (with accompanying CD Roms) are a must for any History department. They are suitable for both specialist and non-specialist teachers, with activities on the CDs designed to allow pupils to take an active role in their learning. The books are very pupil friendly, colourful and fun to use. I recommend these books to History teachers whenever the opportunity arises.”
- J Humphries, HoD at Robert Bruce Middle School, November 2009
“We love the layout of the books- the aims set out clearly with the clever catchy titles are brilliant! They're visually appealing to all our classes regardless of ability & age & they have the most amazing facts or 'Did you know' pieces that the pupils just love! The continuity of having Folens throughout KS3 & 4 means our pupils are very familiar with the books & know exactly what they're getting. The problem is trying to stop them reading ahead & pre-empting the next good bit! The History Mysteries are fabulous & are a huge favourite with the students-the more challenging the evidence & the harder it is to find an answer the more they enjoy it!”
- R Crouch, HoD at Severn Vale School, November 2009