Experiences of Slavery - The Middle Passage

Experiences of Slavery - What were conditions like on the Middle Passage? [#1]

Lesson #1 of 4 lessons towards the enquiry: “What was the experience of enslaved people?” [Concept: Evidence]. See my TES shop for other lesson and bundle offers!

Suitable as a standalone lesson or within a scheme of work!

Overview: Through a range of primary sources - including first-hand accounts, manifests and diagrams - students will build an understanding of what the enslaved experienced along the Middle Passage. These activities also allow students to comprehend how people were both dehumanised and commodified as they sailed into slavery. On a practical level, the lesson also familiarises students with the COP method, used for analysing sources.

Note: In line with recent guidance, these lessons ensure that students frequently encounter historically marginalised voices. Sources have been chosen carefully in order to give students the fullest understanding, though may include sensitive language / imagery. Pre-checking slides is strongly advised in order to prepare for this.

Suitability: Designed for Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 9), but highly suitable for KS4

Approximate Delivery Time: 50 – 60 Minutes

What will you get?

• PowerPoint Presentation – Fully scaffolded PPT to support teaching. Note: The PPT may contain animations / clips.
• Scaffolded Worksheets – Printable worksheets to support teaching activities to a range of abilities. Multiple options of the same worksheet are provided.
• Adaptive Teaching Strategies – An adaptable lesson for a range of learning abilities, with a variety of activities (i.e., whiteboards; think-pair-share; stretch-and-challenge activities).
• Inclusive Language - Inclusive terminology is used throughout, in line with disciplinary guidance.