Gunpowder Plot (Two lessons)

These two lessons were designed for a class who found it difficult to understand the relevance of learning about 16th and 17th Century England. An unusual approach is taken in the first lesson in order to teach about the Gunpowder Plot, and specifically to address some misconceptions (such as the exaggerated role given to Guy Fawkes). This approach is to create a modern day scenario based on the Gunpowder Plot which is set in a school, but uses the first names and approximate roles and circumstances of the real plotters. It is important that the students do not know that the lesson is about the Gunpowder Plot until after they have completed the first exercise.

The lessons are accompanied by three handouts, as separate Word documents. These are the reading for the first part of lesson 1, a missing words sheet for students to get to grips with the plotters in more detail, and a recall exercise for lesson 2.

The lessons include a Gunpowder Plot mind map, and for each lesson a link to a video clip and written questions for students to answer with some modelling and scaffolding.