A history lesson on Queen Mary I focussing on whether she deserved the title of “Bloody Mary” or if she was just misunderstood. Linked to the national curriculum objective of the changing power of the monarchs. This lesson start with a definition of history, why learning about history is important, the key concepts covered in the lesson and a recap. The lesson shows where she fits in on a British history timeline and involves plenty of opportunity for discussion about what sources tell us about Mary I. Children are to use the information about her life to find out about her early life and experiences before looking at sources about her. Children will be able to use the information they have gathered to decide for themselves whether she deserved her title of “Bloody Mary” or if her childhood experiences meant she was just misunderstood. Includes SEN min mapping fact sheet activity

A history lesson on King Henry VIII and what kind of ruler he was linked to the national curriculum objective of the changing power of the monarchs. This lesson start with a definition of history, why learning about history is important and the key concepts covered in the lesson as well as a recap. The lesson shows where Henry VIII fits in on a British history timeline as well as an introduction to The Tudors. Children are exposed to some of his greatest achievements as King and then are asked to analyse sources themselves to decide what kind of ruler he is. Children will need to consider bias in the sources too. There is an optional mock courtcase to put Henry VIII on trial for his crimes at the end.

A history lesson on King John I and the magna carta linked to the national curriculum objective of the changing power of the monarchs. This lesson start with a definition of history, why learning about history is important and the key concepts covered in the lesson. The lesson includes discussions about what the monarchy is, who King John I was and why the magna carta was introduced during his reign. It encourages children to think for themselves about why it was introduced and how it changed his power. Video links and resources are included as well as discussion questions for the children to make inferences about King John I and what he was like as a king. SEN sorting activity also included.

A whole half-term unit of planning for the Ancient Egyptians (Year 5) with each lesson building towards the unit’s key question of “What were the Ancient Egyptian’s greatest achievements?” Includes worksheets for each lesson and notebook files. Lesson 1 - Who were the Ancient Egyptians? Includes a post-learning early civilisation quiz which can be adapted for what your school have taught, a timeline, map work to identify Egypt and surrounding countries, information on what life was like for egyptians when they first settled on the notebook (conflict between upper and lower Egypt) and a research activity on King Menes and his achievements. Lesson 2 - social system and the government - focuses on the hierarchy in Ancient Egypt and where everyone fit in with each other. Lesson 3 - building the pyramids - what they had to consider when building the pyramids and why this was such a great achievement (completed by hand with no machinery/complex building methods) Lesson 4 - achievements from the River Nile - focuses on transport and trade, the Ancient Egyptian calendar, farming and building materials. Lesson 5 - academic achievements - focuses on hieroglyphics and the number system developed within Ancient Egypt. Lesson 6 - children answer the key question using all the knowledge they have gained over the half-term in the form of an extended essay style piece of writing.