Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
The History of Ancient Persia
Each lesson is well constructed and fully resourced (all resources contained at the end of each PowerPoint to avoid multiple files). Lessons include a varied sequence of activities building up content and skills to enable students to engage with the content of the Persia Empire while building up transferable skills in historical writing, source analysis and creative projects. Each lesson also includes model answers, criteria and stretch/support activities.
The lessons are as follows:
The Artifacts of Persia. A collection of primary sources that students study. They then create a presentation on the question “what type of people were the Ancient Persians?”
The King of Kings: An overview of the reigns of Cyrus the Great, Cambyses, Darius, and Xerxes.
Life in Persia: A project-based lesson with all the materials needed for students to present on Persian law, religion and the role of women.
The Fall of Babylon: A brief look at the Babylonian Empire, a timeline of its fall to Persia and a study of the causes, events and consequences surrounding the fall of the Great city.
The Age of Kings – A look at the magnificence and splendour of the travelling household court of the Persian Kings
Persia v Athens and the Battle of Marathon: What happened, why did it happen and what legacy did it leave?
Athens & Sparta: The allies that kept Persia at bay, a look at their similarities and differences.
Battle of Thermopylae: How did it create the legend of the 300? Is there any truth in it?
Battle of Salamis: How did the Greeks defeat a much larger Persian army?
Persian achievements: Art, Science, Architecture, Mathematics.
Persian Medicine
Alexander the Great
The sacking of Persepolis
Wolsey Academy, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission.
We hope it helps.
#BetterTeachingBetterPlanet
–
Napoleon, Nelson and Trafalgar
1 lesson from a series of 7 on the Napoleonic Wars, The Royal Navy and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The lessons are as follows:
Napoleon and the threat to Britain
The Making of Nelson’s Navy
Horatio Nelson – Hero?
Life in Nelson’s Navy
The Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon and Trafalgar Pokémon revision game
Each lesson works as a standalone, but they are designed to be taught in sequence, with each lesson adding a new layer of context and skills ready for the final writing task in lesson 4. Each lesson comes with 4 Pokémon style key word cards which are all gathered with a range of factor and skill word cards in the 5th lesson – this allows students to use them in their writing.
Each lesson includes a range of activities and resources all contained within the same PowerPoint file for ease of use.
The activities are as follows:
Lesson 1: Napoleon and the threat to Britain
• French Revolution context
• Trading card keywords activity
• Napoleon info cards and CV writing task
• Napoleon’s conquests and the Continental System
• Comprehension questions
Lesson 2: The Making of Nelson’s Navy
• Age of sail video and question/answers
• Assemble a fleet discussion task with prompts
• 8 Factors of success – table fill
• PEE prioritisation task
• Writing a letter to family task
• Trading card keyword activity
• Reading comprehension questions
Lesson 3: Nelson v Villeneuve (and life on a sailing ship)
• Nelson video and question/answers
• Reading comprehension questions
• Trading card keyword activity
• Nelson’s Victories place and describe map activity
• Nelson: Hero and Villain extended reading and debate task
Lesson 4: Life in Nelson’s Navy
• Video and questions
• Teach Roulette – life as a sailor group task
• Nautical English terms task
• Write a diary entry as a sailor task
• Trading Card Activity
Lesson 5: The Battle of Trafalgar
• Recap task
• Events of the day info slides (enabling teacher talk)
• Extended reading – Bernard Cornwell – the gruesome side of a war at sea
• Cartoon strip of the battle with info slides
• Why did Nelson win the Battle of Trafalgar? Essay task to include all factors studied thus far (the recap reminder sheet from activity 1 is useful here).
• Trading Card Activity
Lesson 6: Battle of Trafalgar Keyword Trading Card Game
• 20 Pokémon style keywords
• 11 General factor history and skill cards
• An excellent and engaging way to stimulate writing tasks!
Bonus: Trafalgar History Club Activity
• Flag making – Re-create Nelson’s famous flag signals!
• Battle Snowballs – create the line of battle, act out the fight and see who wins in the rematch!
We hope it helps.
#BetterTeachingBetterPlanet
Third lesson from a series of 3 allowing students to develop their knowledge of how the Royal Navy developed during the 19th century and how this eventually led to HMS Dreadnought. The role of Admiral Fisher in encouraging the construction of these ships, the Arms Race it led to and then the final, but inconclusive, clash at Jutland in 1916.
These lessons provide vital context to the origins of the First World War.
Each lesson works well as a stand alone lesson but each lesson builds on the context of the former.
The lessons are constructed as follows:
1. Origins of the Arms Race – Fisher’s Reforms to the Royal Navy
a. Navy post-Trafalgar, context slides (teacher talk and debate)
b. Historian quote question and discussion x 2
c. Video extract and questions
d. 7 Reform Factors and Table completion activity
e. Letter home to family on the reforms
f. Plenary: Reading comprehension task
2. HMS Dreadnought and the Arms Race
a. Historiography task and questions
b. HMS Dreadnought special features label task
c. Video extract and questions
d. PEEKA Paragraph writing x 2 – with peeka template and Dreadnought fact sheet.
e. Plenary: Reading comprehension task
3. The Battle of Jutland, 1916
a. Keyword recap writing task
b. Context slides (teacher talk and debate)
c. Video extract and questions x 2
d. Describe the conditions task
e. Eye witness source table (with 6 eye witness accounts)
f. Who won? – debate prompts
g. Jack Cornwell reading comprehension task.
Wolsey Academy, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission.
We hope it helps.
#BetterTeachingBetterPlant
Napoleon, Nelson and Trafalgar
1 lesson from a series of 7 on the Napoleonic Wars, The Royal Navy and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The lessons are as follows:
Napoleon and the threat to Britain
The Making of Nelson’s Navy
Horatio Nelson – Hero?
Life in Nelson’s Navy
The Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon and Trafalgar Pokémon revision game
Each lesson works as a standalone, but they are designed to be taught in sequence, with each lesson adding a new layer of context and skills ready for the final writing task in lesson 4. Each lesson comes with 4 Pokémon style key word cards which are all gathered with a range of factor and skill word cards in the 5th lesson – this allows students to use them in their writing.
Each lesson includes a range of activities and resources all contained within the same PowerPoint file for ease of use.
The activities are as follows:
Lesson 1: Napoleon and the threat to Britain
• French Revolution context
• Trading card keywords activity
• Napoleon info cards and CV writing task
• Napoleon’s conquests and the Continental System
• Comprehension questions
Lesson 2: The Making of Nelson’s Navy
• Age of sail video and question/answers
• Assemble a fleet discussion task with prompts
• 8 Factors of success – table fill
• PEE prioritisation task
• Writing a letter to family task
• Trading card keyword activity
• Reading comprehension questions
Lesson 3: Nelson v Villeneuve (and life on a sailing ship)
• Nelson video and question/answers
• Reading comprehension questions
• Trading card keyword activity
• Nelson’s Victories place and describe map activity
• Nelson: Hero and Villain extended reading and debate task
Lesson 4: Life in Nelson’s Navy
• Video and questions
• Teach Roulette – life as a sailor group task
• Nautical English terms task
• Write a diary entry as a sailor task
• Trading Card Activity
Lesson 5: The Battle of Trafalgar
• Recap task
• Events of the day info slides (enabling teacher talk)
• Extended reading – Bernard Cornwell – the gruesome side of a war at sea
• Cartoon strip of the battle with info slides
• Why did Nelson win the Battle of Trafalgar? Essay task to include all factors studied thus far (the recap reminder sheet from activity 1 is useful here).
• Trading Card Activity
Lesson 6: Battle of Trafalgar Keyword Trading Card Game
• 20 Pokémon style keywords
• 11 General factor history and skill cards
• An excellent and engaging way to stimulate writing tasks!
Bonus: Trafalgar History Club Activity
• Flag making – Re-create Nelson’s famous flag signals!
• Battle Snowballs – create the line of battle, act out the fight and see who wins in the rematch!
We hope it helps.
#BetterTeachingBetterPlanet
Napoleon, Nelson and Trafalgar
1 lesson from a series of 7 on the Napoleonic Wars, The Royal Navy and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The lessons are as follows:
Napoleon and the threat to Britain
The Making of Nelson’s Navy
Nelson v Villeneuve
Life in Nelson’s Navy
The Battle of Trafalgar
Napoleon and Trafalgar Pokémon revision game
Each lesson works as a standalone, but they are designed to be taught in sequence, with each lesson adding a new layer of context and skills ready for the final writing task in lesson 4. Each lesson comes with 4 Pokémon style key word cards which are all gathered with a range of factor and skill word cards in the 5th lesson – this allows students to use them in their writing.
Each lesson includes a range of activities and resources all contained within the same PowerPoint file for ease of use.
The activities are as follows:
Lesson 1: Napoleon and the threat to Britain
• French Revolution context
• Trading card keywords activity
• Napoleon info cards and CV writing task
• Napoleon’s conquests and the Continental System
• Comprehension questions
Lesson 2: The Making of Nelson’s Navy
• Age of sail video and question/answers
• Assemble a fleet discussion task with prompts
• 8 Factors of success – table fill
• PEE prioritisation task
• Writing a letter to family task
• Trading card keyword activity
• Reading comprehension questions
Lesson 3: Nelson v Villeneuve (and life on a sailing ship)
• Nelson video and question/answers
• Reading comprehension questions
• Trading card keyword activity
• Nelson’s Victories place and describe map activity
• Nelson: Hero and Villain extended reading and debate task
Lesson 4: Life in Nelson’s Navy
• Video and questions
• Teach Roulette – life as a sailor group task
• Nautical English terms task
• Write a diary entry as a sailor task
• Trading Card Activity
Lesson 5: The Battle of Trafalgar
• Recap task
• Events of the day info slides (enabling teacher talk)
• Extended reading – Bernard Cornwell – the gruesome side of a war at sea
• Cartoon strip of the battle with info slides
• Why did Nelson win the Battle of Trafalgar? Essay task to include all factors studied thus far (the recap reminder sheet from activity 1 is useful here).
• Trading Card Activity
Lesson 6: Battle of Trafalgar Keyword Trading Card Game
• 20 Pokémon style keywords
• 11 General factor history and skill cards
• An excellent and engaging way to stimulate writing tasks!
Bonus: Trafalgar History Club Activity
• Flag making – Re-create Nelson’s famous flag signals!
• Battle Snowballs – create the line of battle, act out the fight and see who wins in the rematch!
These lessons have been created by Wolsey Academy
We are a non=profit with all our earnings going to support one the charities found on our website.
We hope it helps.
#BetterTeachingBetterPlanet
23 slides looking at…
Command Words
Question Focus
The Mark Scheme
Essay Planning
Essay Structure
Use of Evidence
Use of Historiography
Paragraph Structure
Conclusions
Common mistakes
Wolsey Academy, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission.
One lesson from a series of 3 allowing students to develop their knowledge of how the Royal Navy developed during the 19th century and how this eventually led to HMS Dreadnought. The role of Admiral Fisher in encouraging the construction of these ships, the Arms Race it led to and then the final, but inconclusive, clash at Jutland in 1916.
These lessons provide vital context to the origins of the First World War.
Each lesson works well as a stand alone lesson but each lesson builds on the context of the former.
The lessons are constructed as follows:
1. Origins of the Arms Race – Fisher’s Reforms to the Royal Navy
a. Navy post-Trafalgar, context slides (teacher talk and debate)
b. Historian quote question and discussion x 2
c. Video extract and questions
d. 7 Reform Factors and Table completion activity
e. Letter home to family on the reforms
f. Plenary: Reading comprehension task
2. HMS Dreadnought and the Arms Race
a. Historiography task and questions
b. HMS Dreadnought special features label task
c. Video extract and questions
d. PEEKA Paragraph writing x 2 – with peeka template and Dreadnought fact sheet.
e. Plenary: Reading comprehension task
3. The Battle of Jutland, 1916
a. Keyword recap writing task
b. Context slides (teacher talk and debate)
c. Video extract and questions x 2
d. Describe the conditions task
e. Eye witness source table (with 6 eye witness accounts)
f. Who won? – debate prompts
g. Jack Cornwell reading comprehension task.
Wolsey Academy, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission.
We hope it helps.
#BetterTeachingBetterPlant
Everything you need to teach an outstanding lesson and to be home in time for tea and medals!
A well structured lesson that sees pupils work with a resource pack of primary and secondary sources to come to a judgement. Pupils will then complete a 12 mark exam question.
Complete with pre-made feedback slips for easy marking, worksheets, writing frames, EAL support, literacy and numeracy starters, progress bar, lesson plan, quick start guide, and pedagogy justification.
WolseyAcademy.com, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission.
Everything you need to teach an outstanding lesson and to be home in time for tea and medals!
A well structured lesson that sees pupils prioritise the factors involved in the Battle of Britain before answering a 12 mark exam question.
Complete with worksheets, writing frames, EAL support, literacy and numeracy starters, progress bar, lesson plan, quick start guide, pedagogy justification and pre-made feedback slips for easy marking.
WolseyAcademy.com, a non-profit resource provider, directs all profits to various charities, including refugee support, youth sports, educational programs, and carbon capture, achieving a carbon-negative status. Explore our site for resources and free history role-playing games loved by students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and for supporting our mission.
This lesson introduces students to Confucius and his philosophy of Confucianism. They will explore key principles such as ethics, filial piety, and social harmony, and understand their impact on ancient China and East Asian cultures. Activities include video analysis, keyword activities, reading and analysing The Analects, and practical application of Confucian virtues through problem-solving scenarios. The lesson aims to highlight the enduring influence of Confucianism on personal behaviour and societal structures.
Taken from a series of 7 lessons on history of Ancient China. They provide an excellent and engaging introduction to ancient China and provide a great foundation for understanding how this vital nation has shaped our world.
Each lesson is designed to cover a range of historical and exam skills to build up students knowledge and exam skills ready for any exam board, external and internal. They are also a huge amount of fun to teach!
Those lessons are:
Shang & Zhou Dynasties
Qin Shi Huang (The First Emperor)
Confucianism
Kublai Khan
Silk Roads
The Forbidden City
Zheng He & The Treasure Fleets
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W
This lesson examines the resistance movements in Nazi-occupied Europe from 1938 to 1945. Students will explore different forms of resistance, from passive defiance to active combat, through case studies of notable resistance efforts. Activities include analysing primary sources, creating infographics, and discussing the motivations and impacts of resistance. The lesson concludes with a writing task reflecting on how individuals resisted Nazi occupation and a peer assessment of the infographics.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the extent of Nazi occupation in Europe and the concept of resistance.
Consider how individuals might respond to occupation, categorising responses as collaboration, passive, or active resistance.
Types of Response:
Match keywords to definitions of different types of resistance.
Read statements and categorise them as collaboration, passive resistance, or active resistance.
Case Studies:
Study four significant resistance efforts: Simone Segouin, The Comet Line, Warsaw Uprising, and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
Answer questions on each case study to understand their objectives, methods, and impacts.
Resistance Infographic Projects:
Conduct research on famous resistance movements, events, or individuals in Nazi-occupied Europe.
Create a one-page infographic that includes engaging visuals, concise information, logical structure, and consistent design.
Peer Assessment:
Grade infographics based on structured layout, visual elements, and minimal text.
Use a scoring system out of 9 for peer assessment.
How Would You React?
Discuss how students might respond to a Nazi invasion, considering factors that could influence their decisions.
Writing Task:
Write an essay reflecting on how individuals resisted Nazi occupation using the PEEKA paragraph structure.
Plan and organise thoughts using the PEEKA grid and guidance sheet.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss essays.
Reflect on the various forms of resistance and their significance in the broader context of World War II.
Resources:
Primary sources and case study information
Infographic creation tools and guidelines
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet
This lesson explores the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, a key event leading to the Second Sino-Japanese War. Students will learn about the motivations behind Japan’s aggression, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, and the impact on Chinese resistance. Activities include guided reading, video analysis, group discussions, and a writing task on the consequences of the invasion. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the roles of the GMD and CCP in resisting Japanese forces.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss Japan’s industrial expansion and territorial ambitions following the Meiji Restoration.
Explain the context of the First and Second Sino-Japanese Wars.
Chiang Kai-shek Declares War:
Discuss the initial advances of the Japanese and Chiang Kai-shek’s response after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
Analyze the red areas on the map showing land captured by the Japanese.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident 1937:
Detail the incident that marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Discuss the conflict between Chinese and Japanese troops and the subsequent declaration of war by Chiang Kai-shek.
Guided Reading Task:
Give each paragraph a subheading and write down three key facts for each.
Refer to the provided accessible text link for additional information.
The Second United Front:
Discuss the formation of the Second United Front, the collaboration between the GMD and CCP to resist the Japanese invasion.
Analyze why Chiang Kai-shek agreed to work with the Communists despite initial reluctance.
Video Task:
Watch a video on China’s actions during the war and add new details to the notes.
Japan Advances Quickly:
Discuss the rapid advancements of the Japanese forces and significant events like the Rape of Nanjing.
Analyze the global reaction to the famous photograph of a child in a ruined train station.
Who Did the Most to Stop the Japanese?
Debate the roles of the CCP and GMD in resisting the Japanese invasion.
Sort factors into categories of CCP Success and GMD Failures.
Writing Task:
Write an essay explaining two consequences of the Japanese invasion of China for the GMD and CCP using the PEEKA paragraph structure.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the essays.
Reflect on the roles of the GMD and CCP and their contributions to the war effort.
Resources:
Video link on the invasion of China
Guided reading text
Group activity fact sheet
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
This lesson examines the attack on Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941, which prompted the United States to enter World War II. Students will learn about the causes, events, and consequences of the attack. Activities include brainstorming prior knowledge, video analysis, categorising causes and consequences, guided reading, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the impact of the attack on American public opinion and the course of the war.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss what students already know about the attack on Pearl Harbour.
Write down ideas and swap with peers to create a comprehensive spider diagram.
What Was It?
Provide an overview of the attack, including key details about the surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy Air Service.
Video Analysis:
Watch clips from the Imperial War Museum and other sources to gather additional information on the causes and consequences of the attack.
Add notes to the spider diagram.
Why Did Japan Attack? What Were the Consequences?
Break down the causes and consequences into three categories: political, economic, and military.
Define each category and discuss examples.
Causes and Consequences of the Attack:
Complete a worksheet by colour coding the causes and consequences according to their categories.
Draw icons to help remember each factor.
Write a summary of the events of the day.
Guided Reading Task:
Give each paragraph a subheading and write down three key facts for each.
Why is it Known as ‘A Day that Will Live in Infamy’?
Watch and listen to President Franklin Roosevelt’s speech given the day after the attack.
Discuss the key points and the USA’s response.
Writing Task:
Write two paragraphs explaining the consequences of the attack on Pearl Harbour using the PEEKA paragraph structure.
Plan the answer using the PEEKA grid and guidance sheet.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the written paragraphs.
Reflect on the immediate and long-term impacts of the attack on Pearl Harbour.
Resources:
Spider diagram template
Video links on the attack
Worksheet for categorising causes and consequences
Guided reading text
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet
This lesson examines the Blitz, a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against Britain during World War II. Students will learn about the threats, how Britain adapted, and the concept of the Blitz Spirit. Activities include video analysis, completing worksheets on threats and adaptations, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the existence of the Blitz Spirit, supported by evidence from various sources.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the Blitz and its significance during World War II.
Create a spider diagram and add to it while watching a video on the Blitz.
Threats:
Identify and analyse the threats posed by Heinkel bombers, V1 rockets, and V2 rockets.
Complete the ‘threats’ section on the Blitz worksheet using fact sheets.
Adaptations:
Discuss how Britain adapted to the bombings with bomb shelters, the London Underground, blackouts, barrage balloons, and the Royal Observer Corps.
Complete the ‘adaptations’ section on the Blitz worksheet using fact sheets.
Blitz Spirit:
Examine the concept of the Blitz Spirit and its portrayal in history.
Read through various sources and complete a table analysing whether the sources support the idea of a united Blitz Spirit.
Writing Task:
Write two PEEKA paragraphs, one arguing that there was a Blitz Spirit and one arguing that there was not.
Use evidence from at least two sources to support each paragraph.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the paragraphs.
Reflect on the impact of the Blitz on British society and whether the Blitz Spirit was a real phenomenon.
Resources:
Spider diagram template
Video link on the Blitz
Fact sheets on threats and adaptations
Sources for Blitz Spirit analysis
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W
This lesson examines the British Home Front during World War II, focusing on the daily lives of civilians, rationing, evacuation, and the Dig for Victory campaign. Students will learn about the impact of the war on British society through video analysis, guided reading, and creative projects. Activities include analysing Evelyn Carter’s diary, creating posters for the Ministry of Information, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the challenges and resilience of the British people.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the concept of the Home Front and its significance during World War II.
Watch videos on life in Britain and rationing during the war.
Video Analysis:
Choose the correct summary of the rationing video and discuss its accuracy.
Evelyn Carter’s Diary:
Read extracts from Evelyn Carter’s fictional diary.
Make notes on how various aspects of the Home Front impacted her life, including gas masks, rationing, the black market, Dig for Victory, evacuations, her husband fighting, ARP wardens, and the Women’s Voluntary Service.
The Home Front Experience:
Discuss the key aspects of the Home Front such as evacuations, the Dig for Victory campaign, rationing, and the black market.
Examine government posters encouraging evacuation and discuss their messages and target audiences.
Creative Project:
Create a poster for the Ministry of Information to encourage people to support the Home Front.
Choose a campaign, select a target audience, and create a short slogan.
Design the poster to be eye-catching and respectful.
Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining the impact of the Home Front on British society.
Mention at least one impact and discuss one limitation.
Use today’s keywords and PEEKA paragraph structure.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the posters and paragraphs.
Reflect on the resilience and challenges faced by the British people during the war.
Resources:
Video links on life in Britain and rationing
Extracts from Evelyn Carter’s diary
Government posters
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W
This lesson explores the Home Guard during World War II, focusing on their recruitment, responsibilities, challenges, and impact. Students will learn about the role of the Home Guard, often referred to as ‘Dad’s Army,’ through video analysis, note-taking, and role-playing activities. The lesson concludes with a writing task to explain the impact of the Home Guard on Britain’s Home Front, using the PEEKA paragraph structure.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Watch a video on the Home Guard and take notes on recruitment, responsibilities, challenges, and impact.
Recruitment:
Discuss who joined the Home Guard and why, including the role of women in auxiliary roles.
Responsibilities:
Explain the duties of the Home Guard, such as manning anti-aircraft guns, patrolling, and handling unexploded bombs.
Challenges Faced:
Discuss the challenges, including shortages of weapons and equipment, and the lack of formal military training.
Impact:
Examine the contributions of the Home Guard to local communities and national security, and their role in maintaining public order and morale.
Role Play:
Write and act out a Home Guard sketch based on a given scenario.
Include as many keywords as possible and be prepared to act them out to the class.
Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining the impact of the Home Guard on Britain’s Home Front.
Mention at least one impact and discuss one limitation.
Use today’s keywords and PEEKA paragraph structure.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the sketches and paragraphs.
Reflect on the significance and legacy of the Home Guard.
Resources:
Video link on the Home Guard
Keyword flashcards
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and sentence starters
Scenario cards for role play
From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W
This lesson explores the establishment and actions of Vichy France, Charles de Gaulle, and the Free French during World War II. Students will learn about the fall of France, the Vichy regime’s collaboration with Nazi Germany, and the resistance efforts led by de Gaulle. Activities include timeline sorting, analysing de Gaulle’s speeches, and creating infographics. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the legacy of the Vichy regime and the Free French.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the fall of France in 1940 and the establishment of the Vichy regime under Marshal Philippe Pétain.
Read The Guardian newspaper excerpt from 1940 and discuss the French decision not to defend Paris and its implications.
The Division of France:
Explain the division of France into the occupied zone and the unoccupied Vichy zone.
Discuss the collaboration between Vichy France and Nazi Germany.
Mers-el-Kébir Incident:
Describe the British attack on the French naval base at Mers-el-Kébir.
Discuss whether the British were justified in their actions and debate this as a class.
Policies of Pétain and Vichy France:
Discuss Pétain’s policies, including the “National Revolution,” and the shift from “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” to “Work, Family, Fatherland.”
Sort timeline cards into the correct chronological order to understand the sequence of events under Vichy France.
Charles de Gaulle and the Free French:
Read de Gaulle’s BBC speech and highlight examples of rhetorical devices and calls to action.
Research and create an infographic on Charles de Gaulle and the Free French, focusing on structured layout, visual elements, and minimal text.
Writing Task:
Write an essay explaining the impact of Vichy France’s collaboration with Nazi Germany and the significance of the Free French resistance.
Use the PEEKA paragraph structure to organise the arguments.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the infographics and essays.
Reflect on the legacy of Vichy France and the contributions of the Free French to the Allied victory.
Resources:
Excerpt from The Guardian, 1940
Timeline cards for sorting
De Gaulle’s BBC speech
Infographic creation tools and guidelines
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
This lesson explores the rise of Benito Mussolini and the establishment of fascist rule in Italy from 1919 to 1925. Students will learn about the socio-economic factors that contributed to Mussolini’s rise, his use of violence and propaganda, and key events like the March on Rome. Activities include video analysis, sorting timeline events, and writing a PEEKA paragraph. The lesson concludes with a discussion on Mussolini’s impact on Italy and European politics.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the historical context of post-World War I Italy, including economic depression and political instability.
Watch a video on the rise of Mussolini and create a spider diagram to note key points.
Quiz-Quiz-Trade Activity:
Walk around the classroom and partner up to ask and answer questions using the provided question cards.
Trade question cards after each interaction.
Who Was Mussolini?
Learn about Benito Mussolini, the formation of the Fascist Party in 1919, and his rise to power.
Discuss his use of nationalism and authoritarianism.
Timeline Activity:
Sort timeline cards into the correct chronological order, covering key events such as the formation of the Fascist Party, the Biennio Rosso, the use of Black Shirts, the March on Rome, and the establishment of dictatorship.
Factors Contributing to Mussolini’s Rise:
Examine the “Mutilated Victory” and its influence on Italian politics.
Discuss the fear of communism and the Biennio Rosso.
Analyze Mussolini’s use of violence and propaganda, including the Black Shirts and media control.
Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining one key factor that contributed to Mussolini’s rise to power.
Use the PEEKA structure: Point, Evidence, Explain, Knowledge (extra), Answer the question.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on Mussolini’s impact on Italy and the broader European political landscape.
Resources:
Video link on Mussolini’s rise
Spider diagram template
Timeline cards for sorting
Question cards for Quiz-Quiz-Trade activity
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W
This lesson examines the strategic importance of the Arabian Gulf during World War II. Students will explore the reasons both the Allies and Axis powers wanted control of the Gulf, focusing on oil resources and overland routes to the USSR. Activities include analysing historical texts, completing fact sheets, and discussing the significance of key events such as the sinking of German submarine U-533. The lesson concludes with a writing task on the strategic impact of the Gulf.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the strategic importance of the Arabian Gulf during World War II.
Explain why both the Allies and Axis powers sought control over the region.
Oil and Overland Routes:
Discuss the significance of oil production and the need for safe passage for Lend-Lease supplies to the USSR.
Complete the ‘Arabian Gulf’ fact sheet by summarising key events in Iran and Iraq.
Historical Text Analysis:
Read the article on the fate of German submarine U-533 and answer related questions.
Discuss the impact of Allied codebreaking efforts and the role of RAF Squadron 244 based out of Sharjah.
Group Activity:
In groups, discuss and summarise the strategic moves and countermeasures taken by the Allies and Axis powers in the Arabian Gulf.
Writing Task:
Write an essay explaining the strategic importance of the Arabian Gulf during World War II.
Use the PEEKA paragraph structure to organise the arguments.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the essays.
Reflect on the broader implications of control over the Arabian Gulf during the war.
Resources:
Fact sheets on Iran and Iraq
Article on U-533
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W
This lesson explores the Battle of Stalingrad, a pivotal conflict in World War II from 1942-43. Students will examine the events, strategies, and key figures involved. Activities include video analysis, a relay activity, guided reading, and creating a storyboard for a documentary. The lesson concludes with a writing task on the consequences of the battle using the PEEKA structure and a peer assessment.
Lesson Content and Activities:
Introduction:
Discuss the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad in the context of World War II.
Watch videos to provide an overview of the battle’s causes, events, and consequences.
Write a short summary based on the videos.
Causes and Consequences:
Identify and categorize the causes and consequences of the battle.
Complete a worksheet to differentiate between the causes and consequences.
Relay Activity:
Work in groups to relay information about the events of the battle.
Each group member will collect information from outside the classroom and create a comprehensive diagram in their books.
Guided Reading:
Complete a guided reading activity, subtitling each paragraph and noting three key facts.
Highlight any unknown words and look up their meanings.
Storyboard Activity:
Create a storyboard for a documentary on the Battle of Stalingrad.
Include six sections detailing the environment, characters, and actions for each scene.
Writing Task:
Write two PEEKA paragraphs explaining the consequences of the Battle of Stalingrad.
Use the provided PEEKA sheets and sentence starters.
Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad and its impact on World War II.
Resources:
Video links on the Battle of Stalingrad
Worksheets for causes and consequences
Relay activity diagram and icons
Guided reading text
Storyboard templates
PEEKA paragraph guidelines
From a series of over 30 Second World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.
To find the complete bundle search on the Wolsey Academy website.
Wolsey Academy operates as a non-profit, with every penny we make going to one of our charity partners or into the Ipswich Initiative, funding good works across the town and county. Search for Wolsey Academy to see our website for more details and to purchase resources at a discount.
Use code ‘WOLSEY’ for 10% off at the Wolsey Academy Web Store.
Please help us, help you, help them. Thank you.
Hope it helps.
W