A model answer to a sample question for the AQA 2024 HE on Drake’s Circumnavigation of the Globe 1577-1580. The answer explores several factors to address the question: “The main result of journeys of exploration was the increase in the wealth and power of Elizabethan England”. How far does the study of Drake’s circumnavigation support this statement? You should refer to Drake’s circumnavigation and your contextual knowledge (16 marks)

A knowledge organiser summarising the key content required as part of the AQA 2024 Historic Environment study of Drake’s Circumnavigation 1577-1580. It covers, who Drake was, why he embarked on the journey, key events, benefits and dangers, impact and overall success, alongside tips on how to approach the question

Lesson exploring why Britain followed (and then accelerated) a policy of decolonisation 1951-64. The lesson starts with images exploring why the Empire was significant, leading to an introduction to the policy of decolonisation. Pupils then analyse part of Macmillan’s ‘winds of change’ speech assessing content, then value. In pairs pupils investigate two examples of decolonisation, then snowball to complete the table. Students then rank the reasons for the acceleration of decolonisation at this time, assessing which is most significant. The plenary is a clip of the ‘winds of change’ speech, asking students to assess if we can trust this as a key reason for decolonisation. This lesson, and the two previous will be utilised in a 25 mark essay planning lesson next in the learning sequence.

L2 in the 2024 Historic Environment series on The Americas and Drake’s circumnavigation, 1577-1580. This lesson begins with a recap of knowledge about Francis Drake, leading into a video that introduces John Hawkins’ role in the slave trade. Students then explore how Hawkins’ role in influencing Drake in undertaking future voyages. The main activity focuses on exploring the 6 main motivating factors for Drake in undertaking his 1577 voyage, with students assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each, leading to a judgement on the main factors that influenced Drake. The plenary sets up the following lesson with students considering the benefits and dangers to sailors in undertaking such a lengthy voyage.

A knowledge organiser for the content required for the Hardwick Hall Historic Environment pack 2025

Lesson 6 in the scheme for Edexcel 1H10/B4 - Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588. This lesson focuses on the Puritan challenge to the religious settlement. The lesson begins with an inference starter on Puritan beliefs, before students link in why the religious settlement left some angry. Students then create a symbol poster reviewing the key aspect of Puritanism and the anger around crucifixes and vestments. Students then use the learning from the lesson to plan an answer to: Explain why the Puritans challenged Elizabeth’s religious settlement. You may use the following in your answer: • vestments • the Act of Uniformity You must also use information of your own (12 marks) Finally, students review the past three lessons in a retrieval plenary.

Lesson 5 in the Hardwick Hall 2025 Historic Environment learning sequence. This lesson focuses on application of knowledge of Hardwick Hall to the 16-mark essay on the Elizabethan paper. The lesson begins with a recap of the changes in the period demonstrated by Hardwick, leading to a paired retrieval task reviewing the key features of Hardwick. Students then explore the 16-mark essay criteria and then apply their learning to a plan for the following question: “The main change that Elizabethan manor houses demonstrated was the greater prosperity of their owners”. How far does a study of Hardwick Hall support this statement? You should refer to Hardwick Hall and your contextual knowledge. (16 marks). Students then explore a WAGOLL paragraph and assess the strengths and weaknesses of this. A model answer for this question is included in the bundle pack.

Lesson exploring the role of MLK through 1950s and 60s protests. Recap starter of existing knowledge of MLK, video interpretation of King, carousel activity exploring events like the bus boycott, sit ins, freedom marches etc, activity on significance of King using all learning, significance scale pyramid plenary, essay homework and model answer built in.

Assessment focusing on factory conditions, the changes caused by the Industrial Revolution and the legacy of the British Empire. Assessment grid for marking and mark scheme included.

Knowledge organiser covering the Unit 5 - Towards a new consensus topic (end of Thatcher and Reagan) - useful for introduction/retrieval/revision

A two lesson resource focusing on the four question styles on Elizabethan England. Trio starter, leads into planning of the first three question styles using spec questions and additional questions. The Hardwick Hall section includes a card sort and opportunity to review the key changes Hardwick Hall demonstrates before planning an answer to the Hardwick Hall question on the spec paper. These lessons should thoroughly cover the skills and much of the key content pre-examination.

Booklet for students to review the key content needed for the 2024 Historic Environment on Drake’s circumnavigation. Includes essay practice, recap knowledge and focus on themes of change, impact and success.

Lesson 7 in the series of lessons for the 2024 HE pack on Drake’s circumnavigation. This double lesson begins with a recap of the key historical knowledge gained in the past 6 lessons, linking to the circumnavigation. Students then explore a question focused on changes demonstrated by voyages, explaining 4 key changes/developments to plan this specific question style. Students then use the mark scheme to create their own ‘top tips’ for the 16-mark essay, moving on to a plan for a question focused on the main results of voyages like the circumnavigation: “The main result of journeys of exploration was the increase in the wealth and power of Elizabethan England”. How far does the study of Drake’s circumnavigation support this statement? This essay can be answered at home in timed conditions within the lesson. Finally, students annotate a model paragraph for this question exploring the strengths. If there is time students could also make amendments and improve the paragraph.

Lesson exploring the different witch trials in England - starter identifying features of a witch, video hyperlinked showing a witch trial, freeze frame creation of the different trials with an explanation question linked in. Optional homework also included.

Lesson exploring how slaves resisted on plantations. Inference starter, two layers of inference sources linked to utility, card sort categorising passive and active resistance leading to an explanation judgement regarding the most successful forms of resistance.

L3 in the 2024 Historic Environment series on The Americas and Drake’s circumnavigation, 1577-1580. This lesson explores the key chronological events of the circumnavigation and the benefits and dangers faced across the voyage. The lesson begins with a recap of the motivating factors in undertaking such a voyage, leading to a video exploring the circumnavigation and the events, benefits and dangers. Students complete the notes table as they watch. Students then annotate their A3 map, using the hand out to detail what happened at each stage - optional colour-coding re. benefits and negatives at this stage - building a chornological picture of the voyage. Using their map and the hand out students then create a table showing the benefits and dangers of this voyage. Finally, students then assess HOW successful they think the circumnavigation was considering their learning so far.

L4 in the 2024 Historic Environment series on The Americas and Drake’s circumnavigation, 1577-1580. This lesson explores what was the impact of Drake’s circumnavigation. The lesson begins with a trio retrieval starter, leading to a ‘rapid recap’ of the benefits and dangers for Drake and his crew on the journey. Students then complete a carousel activity exploring the various impacts of the circumnavigation including improvement in Drake’s social status and geographical understanding. Students then work in groups to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the various impacts, leading to a judgement on what they think is the most significant impact of the circumnavigation.

A resource focusing on reviewing key individuals/topics/concepts from AQA 8145 Elizabethan England unit. Pupils match up three key words to write on their whiteboards and explain the link between them. Pupils must match up as many as possible. Challenge question included.