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.
Summary: The lesson covers the Judean Revolt against Roman rule, highlighting factors that led to the uprising and its significant events, including the siege of Masada and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Activities:
Sorting activity using timeline cards to understand the sequence of events.
Watching a documentary to explore how historical narratives are constructed.
Discussion on long-term and short-term causes of the revolt.
Writing an essay on the factors that led to the revolt using provided structure and keywords.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: This lesson discusses the Roman Climate Optimum, a period of favorable climate conditions that contributed to the agricultural and economic stability of the Roman Empire.
Activities:
Guided reading to understand the impact of climate on Rome’s success.
Comparison essay activity assessing the role of climate versus military and infrastructure in Rome’s expansion.
Discussion on human agency in history and the extent to which environmental factors shaped Roman success.
Peer assessment of essays for structure and historical accuracy.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: This lesson examines the life of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who led a major slave revolt against the Roman Republic. It explores the events of the Third Servile War, the strategies employed by Spartacus, and the brutal suppression of the rebellion by Roman forces.
Activities:
Timeline sorting activity to understand the chronological order of events during the revolt.
Guided reading about Spartacus’ leadership and the rebellion’s impact on Roman society.
Role-play activity to explore different perspectives within the revolt, including Roman leaders and slaves.
Writing a motivational speech from Spartacus’ viewpoint, incorporating reasons for the revolt discussed in class.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: This lesson explores the reign of Emperor Nero, focusing on his controversial leadership, the Great Fire of Rome, and his impact on Roman society and governance.
Activities:
Bullet point activity to summarize key aspects of Nero’s life and rule.
Analysis of Nero’s decisions and their impact on Roman society.
Discussion on Nero’s portrayal in historical sources and his legacy.
Role-play activity to debate Nero’s contributions and failures as an emperor.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website
Summary: This lesson explores the Great Famine that devastated Europe between 1315 and 1317, causing widespread starvation and disease. Students will investigate the multifaceted causes of the famine as history detectives.
Activities:
Group work to analyze an evidence pack and discuss findings.
Writing “Point – Evidence – Explain” style paragraphs about the causes of the famine.
Plenary discussion on different types of historical sources used in their investigation.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount, and to play our free history RPGs, please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
The lesson covers the Wadi Suq period in the UAE, a time of significant cultural and societal change between the Bronze and Iron Ages. It examines how these changes affected the daily lives and social structures of the people.
Activities:
Analysis of archaeological findings to understand lifestyle changes during the Wadi Suq period.
Compare and contrast activity between the Wadi Suq and Umm Al Nar periods.
Writing exercise using the PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain) method to articulate changes in the Wadi Suq period.
Peer review to assess understanding and depth of analysis in student writings.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount, and to play our free history RPGs, please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
This lesson explores the Bronze Age Magan culture, focusing on their trade networks and shipbuilding skills. It discusses how the Magan people connected ancient civilizations through commerce.
Activities:
Map analysis to identify trade routes used by the Magan people.
Group project to design a video game setting based on the Magan culture.
Discussion on the influence of the Magan people on regional trade and culture.
Creative writing to imagine the daily life and interactions of the Magan people.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount, and to play our free history RPGs, please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: This lesson delves into the philosophies of notable Roman thinkers such as Seneca, Ovid, Virgil, and Pliny the Elder. It explores how their ideas on ethics, leadership, and personal growth influenced Roman society and continue to impact modern thought.
Activities:
Discussion and identification of anachronistic elements in materials.
Research and presentation on famous Roman philosophers, focusing on their contributions and philosophies.
Debate on the relevance of Roman philosophical ideas in today’s world, followed by a class vote on the most influential philosopher.
Writing exercise using the PEEKA paragraph structure to articulate the importance of one Roman philosopher.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: This lesson covers the life and achievements of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. It discusses his role in the Edict of Milan, the founding of Constantinople, and the shaping of Christian doctrine at the First Council of Nicaea.
Activities:
Video analysis and discussion on Constantine’s conversion and his significant reforms.
Quiz-Quiz-Trade activity using key terms associated with Constantine’s life and achievements.
Scriptwriting and performance of a “This Is Your Life” style TV talk show, exploring Constantine’s life and achievements.
Group presentations and peer review based on the criteria provided.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: Focusing on Queen Boudicca’s uprising against Roman rule in 60-61 CE, this lesson explores the causes and consequences of this significant event in Roman Britain. It details the brutal treatment of the Iceni tribe, Boudicca’s leadership, and the revolt’s ultimate suppression.
Activities:
Guided reading followed by a cartoon strip creation depicting key moments of the revolt.
Analysis of ‘factor cards’ to understand the reasons behind the revolt, categorized by themes like tribal unity and Roman oppression.
Essay writing to argue the importance of Boudicca’s leadership in the success of the early stages of the revolt.
Peer assessment to ensure inclusion of all required elements in the essays and adherence to the lesson’s structure.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: This lesson focuses on the role and life of gladiators in Roman culture, exploring the types of gladiators, the weapons they used, and the societal impact of gladiatorial games.
Activities:
Guided reading on the life of a Roman Gladiator and the symbolism of the gladiatorial games.
Creative task to simulate a Gladiator commentary for “Radio Rome,” incorporating specific vocabulary and detailed descriptions.
Designing a promotional poster for a gladiatorial event, emphasizing the spectacle and excitement of the games.
Peer assessment to ensure historical accuracy and creativity in the posters.
For more great history resources, bundles at a huge discount and to play our free history RPGs please visit Wolsey Academy’s main website.
Summary: The lesson centers on the catastrophic defeat of Roman legions by Germanic tribes in the Teutoburg Forest, led by Arminius. It emphasizes the tactical errors, environmental challenges, and the betrayal that led to this significant Roman military loss.
Activities:
Keyword activity involving writing and throwing papers to learn key terms and their definitions.
Sorting timeline cards to understand the sequence of related historical events.
Discussion on the impact of the battle on European history.
Writing an army report back to Rome outlining the events and suggesting future military reforms.
Summary: This lesson delves into the reasons behind the collapse of the Roman Empire, highlighting historical perspectives and the insights of historian Edward Gibbon. It addresses the empire’s challenges such as political instability, economic stagnation, and external threats.
Activities:
Source review with a focus on listing reasons for the empire’s decline.
Reading and analysis of Edward Gibbon’s viewpoints.
Group discussion and essay writing on the reliance on slavery as a significant factor in the empire’s fall.
Quiz on the major consequences of issues like political changes, economic problems, and external invasions.
Journey through the remarkable life of Marie Curie, the trailblazing physicist and chemist whose research on radioactivity won her Nobel Prizes in both Physics and Chemistry. This lesson highlights her significant discoveries of polonium and radium, her development of mobile X-ray units during World War I, and her founding of the Curie Institutes in Paris and Warsaw. Students will engage in activities that help them understand the various factors that influenced her success, including economic constraints, societal barriers, and her own indomitable spirit. Curie’s story is not just about scientific achievement but also about overcoming adversity and making lasting contributions to medicine and science.
This lesson focuses on the significant engineering contributions of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, including the Great Western Railway, SS Great Britain, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Students will participate in various activities to deepen their understanding:
Quiz-Quiz-Trade Activity: Engages students in reviewing and exchanging key information about Brunel’s innovations and their impact.
Source Analysis: Students analyze primary and secondary sources to assess the significance of Brunel’s projects.
Timeline Creation: Students create a timeline to identify and contextualize the major events in Brunel’s career.
Group Discussion: Encourages discussion on how Brunel’s engineering advancements influenced the Industrial Revolution and modern technology.
These activities are designed to help students grasp the extent of Brunel’s influence on industrial and civil engineering.
Overview: Examine Guglielmo Marconi’s invention of the radio and its profound impact on global communication.
Activities:
o Video Analysis: Watch detailed accounts of Marconi’s experiments and the evolution of radio technology.
o Timeline Activity: Organize the pivotal moments in Marconi’s career and the development of radio communication.
o Deep Dive Writing: Analyse how Marconi’s radio technology changed the face of communication and its uses during significant historical events.
Overview: Delve into Albert Einstein’s life, focusing on his development of the theories of relativity and his impact on physics and global science.
Activities:
o Source Review: Analyse videos that explain Einstein’s theories and their implications for modern science.
o Timeline Sorting: Sequence the major events in Einstein’s career, including his Nobel Prize win.
o Deep Dive Writing: Explore how Einstein’s theories changed our understanding of the universe and his use of fame to promote peace.
This lesson delves into the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, a pivotal event driven by demands for parliamentary reform and better economic conditions. The lesson includes differentiated scaffolds and resources, along with keyword cards. Activities involve:
o Quiz-Quiz-Trade Activity: Students will share knowledge on the economic and political factors leading to the massacre.
o Video Analysis: Analyzing documentaries to understand the dynamics of the protest and summarizing the key causes using provided keywords.
o Group Discussion: Evaluating the impact of economic hardship and political repression on the working class and the broader implications for British democracy.
o Timeline Activity: Mapping out the events leading up to and following the massacre, highlighting key reforms initiated as a result.
This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive look at the socioeconomic and political tensions that culminated in the Peterloo Massacre.
This lesson examines the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, ignited by socio-economic injustices and oppressive taxes. The lesson includes differentiated scaffolds and resources, along with keyword cards.
Activities involve:
o Video Task: Students watch and discuss a documentary on the revolt, identifying the main causes and leaders like Wat Tyler.
o PEEKA Paragraph Writing: Using evidence from the documentary to write about the impact of the revolt on medieval English society.
o Debate: Debating the outcomes of the revolt and its effectiveness in addressing feudal injustices.
o Role Play: Re-enacting key moments of the revolt, understanding the perspectives of both peasants and nobility.
The lesson aims to explore the complex causes of the Peasants’ Revolt and its significant effects on English feudal law and peasant rights.
Explore the transformative period of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, focusing on the technological innovations and socio-economic changes. The session includes differentiated scaffolds and resources, along with keyword cards.
Activities involve:
o Group Analysis: Analyzing how technological advances like the steam engine and mechanisation changed industries.
o PEEKA Paragraph Writing: Writing structured paragraphs on economic changes, such as the rise of factories and urbanisation.
o Role Play: Acting out discussions among industrialists and workers, reflecting the era’s economic and social dynamics.
o Group Presentation: Presenting on how the Industrial Revolution influenced modern economic practices and industrial policies.
This lesson provides insights into the Industrial Revolution’s impact on modern industrial and economic systems.