Modern Times Group (MTG) announced that its groundbreaking Bringing History to Life at Schools initiative in Poland has been granted Ministry of Education patronage. From September, Polsat Viasat History will air an hour long strand of programming each weekday corresponding with the Polish high school syllabus. The content also is also available on catch-up services, online and on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones from participating cable and satellite operators. To support the initiative and students understanding of local history, MTG has commissioned programmes about Polish history.

In Poland only 5% students have chosen history as a subject for their A-levels (Matriculation exam), and MTG initiated ‘Bringing History to Life at Schools’ to reverse this worrying trend. The initiative aims to encourage young people to complement classroom learning via easily accessible content on TV, catch-up services, online and on mobile devices so the students can access the content when and where it is convenient for them, in addition to tailoring its programme schedules.

Alongside the international programming on Polsat Viasat History has also invested in local productions to ensure that the students get a Polish viewpoint on key points in history. These include short, engaging educational programmes are quality productions presented by historian Michal Wojcik, who commented: “I am really excited to work with MTG and Polsat Viasat History on this great initiative, which I hope will help to ignite a real passion for learning history amongst young people across the country.”

Starting 1 October, the historical teasers series Today in History will launch on Polsat Viasat History. These short films, produced by Bow & Axe, were commissioned by Polsat Viasat History specifically to support the ‘Bringing History To Life in Schools’ initiative.