The BBC has ambitious plans for marking the WW1 centenaries, both for its TV programming and also for adding to its extensive provision of learning materials for schools and adults. Another blog post will focus on the education resources.

BBC has commissioned a broad range of Drama and Documentary programmes which provide both overviews and focused productions. Some have already reached our screens: The ‘Wipers Times’ drama was broadcast in 2013, the story of a trench newspaper produced by soldiers; the Jeremy Paxman mini-series documentary overview ‘Britain’s Great War’ aired last month; and the drama ’37 days’, about the period between the Sarajevo assassination and declaration of war, in March.

To engage the public and encourage historical debate and discussion, the BBC is also broadcasting opinion pieces, such as the recent programmes by historians Niall Ferguson and Max Hastings.

Details of the BBC’s overall approach, and these and forthcoming productions, are available on their website. The range and variety of BBC TV output will form useful resources for teachers and students over the coming years.