Lesson 3 in the 2026 AQA 8145 Historic Environment series on The Globe. The lesson begins with an interpretation starter, focusing on religious opposition to the theatre. Students then explore various causes of opposition, ranking the influence out of 10, leading to a judgement on the most significant cause of opposition. Students then debate which group/cause posed the most influence, leading to a recap of this and the previous lesson, contrasting key reasons for the support of, and opposition to the theatre. An interpretation planning plenary allows a review of opposition and 8-mark ‘how convincing’ interpretation practice.

The second lesson in the 2026 AQA 8145 Historic Environment series on The Globe Theatre The lesson begins with an image recap of the previous lesson/reasons for the growing popularity of the theatre during Elizabeth’s reign, moving on to a video exploring why London was more receptive to cultural developments like the theatre. Students then explore various factors causing the popularity of the theatre, leading to a judgement of which was most significant. In groups, students consider how various groups in society would perceive the theatre, leading to a written summary of the extent of popularity of the theatre. Finally, a judgement line plenary considers the extent of impact on Elizabethan society (links to next lesson on who opposed the theatre).

Lesson four in the AQA 2026 Historic Environment series on the Globe Theatre. This lesson focuses on the Globe itself. The lesson begins with a recap of previous knowledge of the Globe (using an annotated diagram), leading to a review of the background of the Globe, listing why it is significant as a historical site. Students then use two videos to make notes on the key features, actors/plays/audience and role of Shakespeare, leading to a review of what the Globe reflects about Elizabethan society. Students then create an argument for one change that the Globe represents, leading to a ‘taboo’ plenary.

Lesson 5 in the 2026 HE AQA 8145 Historic Environment on the Globe Theatre. The lesson begins with an image starter, asking students to identify changes throughout Elizabethan society, leading to a video exploring the links to the theatre from societal change. Students then complete a card sort, categorising various changes to themes, using this (and an additional handout) to explain how the Globe reflects societal changes (e.g. increase in patronage, rise of the gentry, increase in entertainment etc.) Finally, students answer a summary question on what the most significant change is.

Lesson 6 of the 2026 AQA 8145 Historic Environment series on the Globe Theatre. The lesson begins with a rapid recap of retrieval questions reviewing the Globe (answers included), moving to a recap of how the Globe was and was not typical of Elizabethan theatre. Students then use the mark scheme to explore how to approach the question, leading to a PEE planning grid of potential essay stems. Students then use this to plan an answer to a potential 16-mark question (focusing on increase in wealth and rise of gentry as stated factor), which can be written up at home or in class. A model answer of this will also be provided in the bundle. Finally, students explore a model paragraph as a plenary, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of this.

A knowledge organiser for the AQA 8145 2026 Historic Environment on the Globe theatre.