IF YOU think YouTube is all about skateboarding dogs and Newport State of Mind, think again.

One Newport teacher is using the video uploading site to help inspire his pupils to learn history.

The future arrived at Duffryn High School when David Perkins decided to use his classroom’s interactive white board to deliver lessons on film.

The 28-year-old caused quite a stir with younger students by dressing up as historical characters in his own YouTube clips and showing them in class.

Now his skits, which include a monologue from medieval priest Martin Luther and a job interview for the role of King of England in 1066, have proved such a hit he plans more.

“The key to this is the technology.

“It’s come on so far it’s just so easy and these clips were taken so quickly,” Mr Perkins said. “And it only took that long because we were laughing so much doing it.”

It all started when a friend downloaded a programme to make films on his mobile phone.

Mr Perkins, who joined Duffryn as head of department this May, quickly devised some story ideas and by the new term the films were ready.

NowMartin Luther’s condemnation of the Catholic Church and Harold Godwinson’s claim he was promised the throne of England are the talk of the school.

In another scene Harald Hardrada is seen wearing a red cape and white beard proclaiming: “When I fight wars I win wars, I am a brilliant leader.”

Mr Perkins said he would have loved it as a pupil himself and so do his students.

He said: “They love to see teachers making fun of themselves and they just seem more receptive, it really has had a really good reaction.

“You need to change how you define it and what you are doing with the kids because if you don’t keep it fresh it’s like everything, it becomes old and boring – we need to change the rules of how we deliver.”

EDITORIAL COMMENT: History is fun

WE ARE lucky in Newport to have some of the best schools inWales. And if one high school teacher’s creative use of social media is anything to go by, it looks as if we can also boast having some of the most innovative teachers.

David Perkins joined Duffryn High School as head of history in May this year but has certainly made lessons a bit different.

To inspire his pupils he is using a medium they all know and love - YouTube.

Dressing up as characters from history, he produces short films acting out key moments, such as Martin Luther’s rant at the Catholic Church and Harold Godwinson’s claim he was promised the throne of England.

What makes the films so popular among pupils is not just the fact the films really do bring history to life but also that the pupils get to see their teacher making fun off himself.

And judging by the reaction we have heard from some Duffryn High pupils, it is a winning combination.