This lesson explores the remarkable voyages of Zheng He and the Treasure Fleets in the early 15th century. Students will learn about his seven major expeditions, which expanded Chinese maritime influence and opened new trade routes. Activities include video analysis, guided reading, postcard creation, and concept mapping. The lesson aims to highlight Zheng He’s impact on the Ming Dynasty, showcasing China’s power, wealth, and diplomatic prowess, and fostering a spirit of international cooperation and cultural exchange. 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 begins with looking at the geography of the city and its most famous buildings and organisations. It ends with a city building map task using historical building types from the time. Great KS3 task. This is one lesson in a series of 6 on Ancient Baghdad. An excellent case study in the importance of the this city and region during the Islamic Golden Age. 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. Those lessons are: Baghdad – The City Baghdad – The Silk Roads Baghdad – Queen Al Khayzuran Baghdad – 1001 Arabian Nights Baghdad – The House of Wisdom Baghdad – The Siege of Baghdad 1258 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 reasons behind the United States’ entry into World War I in 1917. Students will explore the concepts of neutrality and isolationism, analyse key events like unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, and debate the pros and cons of joining the war. Activities include reading and discussing historical statements, role-playing a debate, and summarising key arguments. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the impact of US involvement in the war. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss keywords: neutrality and isolationism. Overview of the USA’s stance before entering the war. Why Enter the War? Examine reasons against joining the war through historical statements and discuss in pairs. List the reasons why Americans were hesitant to join the war. President Woodrow Wilson’s Speeches: Analyse Wilson’s January 22, 1917, speech to Congress and discuss its implications on US neutrality. Compare with his May 10, 1915, speech and identify changes in his stance. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Discuss Germany’s strategy and its impact on American ships and goods. Highlight the sinking of the RMS Lusitania and its consequences. Zimmermann Telegram: Read and interpret the Zimmermann Telegram. Discuss its impact on American public opinion and the decision to enter the war. Debate Preparation: Assign roles as Hawks (pro-war) or Doves (pro-neutrality). Prepare arguments for and against joining the war, considering both the historical context and provided resources. Class Debate: Conduct a debate on whether the USA should join the war. Use teacher-tracked arguments to summarise the discussion. Reflection: Write down a reason for or against joining the war on a post-it note and place it on the whiteboard. Discuss the final decision and its implications. Resources: Historical statements and speeches RMS Lusitania and Zimmermann Telegram details Debate preparation sheets Post-it notes for reflection Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson explores the significant changes in women’s roles during the First World War. Students will examine how total war necessitated women’s participation in various sectors, including factories, transport, and medical services. Activities include a gallery task to create informative posters, a gallery walk for peer learning, and writing a report to the government on women’s contributions and recommendations for societal changes post-war. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction to Total War: Define total war and discuss its implications on society. Watch a video explaining total war. Women’s Roles Before the War: Discuss women’s traditional roles before WWI, focusing on domestic jobs and limited legal rights. Highlight exceptions where women were part of the workforce, especially in textiles. Women’s Roles During the War: Explain the shift in women’s roles due to the war, taking on jobs traditionally held by men. Discuss the various sectors where women worked: factories, transport, medical services, police, and military auxiliary corps. Gallery Task: In groups, create posters on different aspects of women’s roles during WWI. Include a caption summarising the information. Display posters around the classroom. Gallery Walk: Students walk around and view the posters, completing a mind map with facts and details from each poster. Report to the Government 1918: Write a report imagining you are an advisor to the government at the end of the war. Include the situation before the war, reasons for women’s role changes, examples of their contributions, and recommendations for societal changes. Use the provided structure and sentence starters. Resources: Video link on total war Information packs for the gallery task Poster materials Mind map template Report structure and sentence starters Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson explores the Arab Revolt during World War I, focusing on its causes, key figures, and outcomes. Students will learn about the revolt’s origins, the role of T.E. Lawrence, and the impact on the Ottoman Empire. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, examining factors of success, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with peer assessment to evaluate understanding and historical writing skills. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Introduction to key terms: Arab Revolt, Ottoman Empire, Lawrence of Arabia, guerrilla warfare. Situation Before the War: Overview of the Middle East under Ottoman control and the pre-war tensions. Watch the video and write a summary using today’s keywords. Arab Revolt: Discuss the start of the Arab Revolt in 1916, led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca with British support. Explore Lawrence of Arabia’s role in organising and supporting the Arab forces. Timeline Activity: Sort timeline cards of key events in the correct chronological order. Factors of Success: Read and write paragraphs on four key success factors of the Arab Revolt, explaining their significance. Key Events: Discuss major achievements like the capture of Aqaba and Damascus, and the formation of new Arab states. PEEKA Paragraph Writing: Write PEEKA paragraphs on the success and impact of the Arab Revolt using studied key changes. Peer assessment using a checklist to provide feedback on the paragraphs. Resources: Video link Printable timeline cards Success factors worksheet PEEKA planning sheet Peer assessment checklist Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson explores the life and legacy of Manfred von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, Germany’s top fighter ace during World War I. Students will learn about his achievements, the role of the “Flying Circus,” and the circumstances of his death. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, a deep dive into his legacy, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on historical perspectives and a peer assessment activity. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Overview of Manfred von Richthofen, his nickname “Red Baron,” and his accomplishments as Germany’s top fighter ace. Discuss the number of enemy aircraft he shot down and the nickname of Fighter Wing I. Video Analysis: Watch videos about the Red Baron and answer guiding questions. Key Terms: Define and discuss terms like ace, Fokker Triplane, and dogfight. Timeline Activity: Sort timeline cards of key events in the correct chronological order. Legacy Deep Dive: Read and answer questions about Richthofen’s transfer to the Imperial Air Service, the “Flying Circus,” his key achievements, and theories about his death. Impact on WWI: Discuss Richthofen’s significant contributions to air combat, his influence on military aviation, and the organisation of fighter squadrons. PEEKA Paragraph Writing: Write PEEKA paragraphs on the Red Baron’s impact on WWI using studied key changes. Peer assessment using a checklist to provide feedback on the paragraphs. Recap Quiz: Quiz on key facts about the Red Baron’s life, achievements, and legacy. Resources: Video links Printable timeline cards Deep dive writing sheet PEEKA planning sheet Peer assessment checklist Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson explores the advancements in trench medicine during World War I. Students will learn about significant medical innovations such as blood transfusions, plastic surgery, and mobile X-ray units. Activities include guided reading, creating a knowledge wall, and performing a skit to demonstrate medical practices. The lesson concludes with a peer assessment of the skits to reinforce understanding and historical empathy. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss why medical advancements often occur rapidly during periods of extended war. Medical Advances During WWI: Introduction to key medical advances such as blood transfusions, plastic surgery, prosthetics, mobile X-ray units, improved triage and medical transport, and antiseptics. Guided Reading: Students read one of six guided reading sheets on specific medical advances. Complete tasks in the margins and summarise findings on post-it notes. Knowledge Wall: Post-it notes are placed on the board under the correct headings to create a “knowledge wall.” ER – First World War Edition! In groups, students create and practice a skit about the life of a WWI doctor. The skit should include speaking roles for everyone, props/scenery, and depict three medical emergencies using new medical techniques. Reference specific inventors/pioneers of each technique. Presentation: Groups perform their skits. Complete feedback sheets for each group’s presentation. Resources: Guided reading sheets Post-it notes for the knowledge wall Example script extract Feedback sheets for presentations Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson focuses on the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Students will learn about its historical significance as the political and ceremonial center of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Activities include video analysis, virtual tours, and exploring its architectural and cultural aspects. Students will create a travel vlog script, detailing the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Forbidden City. The lesson aims to enhance understanding of this iconic symbol of imperial China and its lasting impact on Chinese culture. 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 looks into the significance of the Silk Roads and their impact on China. Students will learn about the historical trade routes, key figures, and events that shaped the Silk Roads. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, and categorizing imports and exports. They will explore how the Silk Roads facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of technologies and ideas. The lesson aims to highlight the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the enduring legacy of the Silk Roads on global history. 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

Examine John Cabot’s voyages and their impact on Tudor England. Activities include map analysis to trace his routes, creating detailed voyage diaries, and discussing the significance of his discoveries for England’s maritime ambitions. Students will explore Cabot’s contributions to exploration, his encounters with the New World, and how his expeditions paved the way for future explorations. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Cabot’s role in the Age of Discovery and its implications for Tudor England’s expansionist policies. Taken from a series of 20 lessons on Tudor England. They provide an thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of European 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. Those lessons are: Battle of Bosworth 1485 Henry VII John Cabot Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon Thomas Wolsey’s Reforms Anne Boleyn Rise of Cromwell Dissolution of the Monasteries Pilgrimage of Grace 1536 Henry VIII & His Wives Edward VI’s Reformation Bloody Mary Elizabeth I – Overview Elizabeth I – Challenges Sir Francis Drake Sir Walter Raleigh Spanish Armada The Mary Rose Shakespeare Wolsey’s Ipswich 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

In this lesson, students explore the Dissolution of the Monasteries, initiated by Henry VIII and carried out by Thomas Cromwell, as part of the English Reformation. Activities include video analysis, creating a ‘Diamond 9’ ranking of monastic services, and discussing the economic, social, and cultural impacts. Students will engage in guided reading on the redistribution of monastic lands, the shift towards a more secular culture, and the establishment of the Church of England. The lesson aims to highlight the multifaceted effects of the dissolution on local communities, the economy, and religious practices in Tudor England. Taken from a series of 20 lessons on Tudor England. They provide an thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of European 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. Those lessons are: Battle of Bosworth 1485 Henry VII John Cabot Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon Thomas Wolsey’s Reforms Anne Boleyn Rise of Cromwell Dissolution of the Monasteries Pilgrimage of Grace 1536 Henry VIII & His Wives Edward VI’s Reformation Bloody Mary Elizabeth I – Overview Elizabeth I – Challenges Sir Francis Drake Sir Walter Raleigh Spanish Armada The Mary Rose Shakespeare Wolsey’s Ipswich 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

In this lesson, students learn about Sir Walter Raleigh’s expeditions and role in the colonisation of the Americas. Activities include video analysis of his voyages, myth-busting discussions on his life, and investigating the Lost Colony of Roanoke through clues and evidence. Students will write fictional postcards from Raleigh, participate in debate sessions on his contributions, and create maps detailing his journeys. Taken from a series of 20 lessons on Tudor England. They provide an thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of European 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. Those lessons are: Battle of Bosworth 1485 Henry VII John Cabot Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon Thomas Wolsey’s Reforms Anne Boleyn Rise of Cromwell Dissolution of the Monasteries Pilgrimage of Grace 1536 Henry VIII & His Wives Edward VI’s Reformation Bloody Mary Elizabeth I – Overview Elizabeth I – Challenges Sir Francis Drake Sir Walter Raleigh Spanish Armada The Mary Rose Shakespeare Wolsey’s Ipswich 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

In this lesson, students study the continuation of the Protestant Reformation under Edward VI. Activities include video analysis of key changes, examining the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer, and discussions on the impact of iconoclasm and other reforms. Students will participate in debates on the Reformation’s effects, create visual timelines of religious changes, and engage in group projects to explore the social implications of Edward VI’s policies. Taken from a series of 20 lessons on Tudor England. They provide an thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of European 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. Those lessons are: Battle of Bosworth 1485 Henry VII John Cabot Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon Thomas Wolsey’s Reforms Anne Boleyn Rise of Cromwell Dissolution of the Monasteries Pilgrimage of Grace 1536 Henry VIII & His Wives Edward VI’s Reformation Bloody Mary Elizabeth I – Overview Elizabeth I – Challenges Sir Francis Drake Sir Walter Raleigh Spanish Armada The Mary Rose Shakespeare Wolsey’s Ipswich 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

In this lesson, students explore Sir Francis Drake’s voyages and his pivotal role in defeating the Spanish Armada. Activities include map analysis to chart his journeys, creating detailed expedition logs, and discussing his legacy as a naval commander. Students will participate in reenactments of naval battles, create diary entries from the perspective of a sailor, and engage in group discussions on Drake’s impact on Tudor England. Taken from a series of 20 lessons on Tudor England. They provide an thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of European 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. Those lessons are: Battle of Bosworth 1485 Henry VII John Cabot Henry VIII & Catherine of Aragon Thomas Wolsey’s Reforms Anne Boleyn Rise of Cromwell Dissolution of the Monasteries Pilgrimage of Grace 1536 Henry VIII & His Wives Edward VI’s Reformation Bloody Mary Elizabeth I – Overview Elizabeth I – Challenges Sir Francis Drake Sir Walter Raleigh Spanish Armada The Mary Rose Shakespeare Wolsey’s Ipswich 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 focuses on the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, from April 1915 to January 1916. Students will explore the strategic objectives, key participants, and outcomes of the campaign. Activities include analysing key figures, watching a video summary, guided reading, a relay activity, and a storyboard creation task. The lesson concludes with a PEEKA writing task to summarise the consequences of the campaign and a peer assessment activity. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Overview of the Gallipoli Campaign, including the involved countries and main objectives. What Happened: Discuss the timeline and key events of the campaign. Identify the roles of Kemal Ataturk, Winston Churchill, and the ANZACs. Video Activity: Watch a video summarising the Gallipoli Campaign. Write a short summary covering causes, events, and consequences. Guided Reading: Complete a guided reading activity with provided text. Subtitle each paragraph. Write down three key facts. Highlight and define any unknown words. Document Analysis: Read and summarise historical documents. Complete a table showing how each document provides evidence of the campaign’s significance. Relay Activity: Participate in a relay activity to recreate a diagram of the battle events. Lessons Learned and Application to D-Day: Discuss the lessons learned from the Gallipoli Campaign and how they were applied to the D-Day landings. Storyboard Activity: Create a storyboard for a documentary on the Gallipoli Campaign, focusing on key scenes. Writing Task: Use the PEEKA structure to write paragraphs explaining the consequences of the Gallipoli Campaign. Incorporate evidence from the video and documents analysed. Peer Assessment: Peer assess partners’ paragraphs, focusing on historical skills and content. Resources: Video link Guided reading text Historical documents (reports, photographs) PEEKA planning sheet Writing prompts and sentence stems Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson explores the Harlem Hellfighters, an African American infantry unit in World War I. Students will learn about their experiences, challenges, and contributions through source analysis and class discussions. Activities include examining primary sources, discussing the historical context of racial discrimination, and understanding the significance of the Hellfighters’ bravery. The lesson concludes with a source analysis task to evaluate the reliability and perspectives of different historical sources. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Overview of the Harlem Hellfighters and their role in WWI. Discussion of the racial discrimination faced by African Americans in 1914. Who Were They: Introduction to the 369th Infantry Regiment and their nickname “Hellfighters.” African Americans in 1914: Discuss the quote highlighting the discrimination faced by African Americans. Identify problems from the quote. The First World War: Explain the enlistment of 350,000 African Americans and the discrimination within the US Army. Discuss General Pershing’s role and the assignment of the 369th to French command. Under French Command: Explore the experiences of the Harlem Hellfighters in combat and their commendations. Compare their treatment in France versus the USA. Source Analysis: Examine seven historical sources related to the Harlem Hellfighters. Write paragraphs analysing each source’s content, purpose, and reliability. Source Analysis Example: Provide an example analysis of Source A. Discuss as a class which sources are most useful in understanding the significance of the Harlem Hellfighters. Group Activity: Debate and vote on the top three most useful sources. Resources: Primary sources (poster, photograph, painting, reports) Source analysis worksheet Guided discussion questions Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson explores the life and impact of Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Students will learn about his early life, military career, and the reforms he introduced to modernise Turkey. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, a deep dive into his legacy, and a PEEKA writing task. The lesson concludes with a discussion on historical perspectives and a peer assessment activity. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Overview of Kemal Atatürk’s life and achievements. Discuss the year of his birth and the establishment of the secular republic in 1923. Video Analysis: Watch videos about Atatürk and answer questions on his life, achievements, and impact. Key Terms: Define and discuss terms like republic, secular, and reforms. Timeline Activity: Sort timeline cards in chronological order to understand the sequence of Atatürk’s life events and achievements. Deep Dive into Atatürk’s Legacy: Read and answer questions about Atatürk’s key reforms, military career, the Treaty of Lausanne, and his emphasis on secularism. Impact on WWI: Discuss Atatürk’s significant contributions during the First World War. Discussion Task: Rank the significance of Atatürk’s founding of modern Turkey, his modernising reforms, and his nationalist leadership. Historical Perspectives: Analyse how historians view Atatürk’s legacy and write a paragraph on their agreement and disagreement using provided sentence starters. Peer Assessment: Peer review partners’ paragraphs focusing on agreement, evidence, disagreement, and overall quality. Recap Quiz: Quiz on key facts about Atatürk’s life, his reforms, and his legacy. Resources: Video links Printable timeline cards Deep dive writing sheet PEEKA planning sheet Recap quiz questions Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson covers the Armenian Genocide during World War I, examining the events between 1915 and 1917. Students will explore the definition of genocide, the causes and key figures involved, and the consequences for the Armenian population. Activities include watching a video summary, guided reading with key fact identification, and analysing historical documents to understand the motives and means behind the genocide. The lesson concludes with a writing task using the PEEKA structure to summarise the events. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Brief overview of the Ottoman Empire during WWI. Definition of genocide using the UN’s Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. What Happened: Discuss the timeline and key events of the Armenian Genocide. Identify the role of Talaat Pasha and the Temporary Law of Deportation. Video Activity: Watch a video summarising the Armenian Genocide. Write a short summary covering causes, events, and consequences. Guided Reading: Complete a guided reading activity with provided text. Subtitle each paragraph. Write down three key facts. Highlight and define any unknown words. Document Analysis: Read and summarise historical documents (e.g., manifestos, reports, photographs). Complete a table showing how each document provides evidence of the genocide. Writing Task: Use the PEEKA structure to write paragraphs explaining the causes, events, and consequences of the genocide. Incorporate evidence from the video and documents analysed. Resources: Video link Guided reading text Historical documents (Manifestos, reports, photographs) PEEKA planning sheet Writing prompts and sentence stems Taken from a series of over 30 First 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.

This lesson examines the Battle of Dunkirk and the dramatic evacuation of Allied forces in 1940. Students will learn about Operation Dynamo, the role of the ‘Little Boats,’ and the strategic and psychological impacts of the evacuation. Activities include creating a spider diagram, video analysis, group research, and writing a balanced argument on whether Dunkirk was a success or failure. The lesson concludes with a peer review of the written arguments. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss the context of Dunkirk in 1940 and the significance of the evacuation. Watch the trailer for the 2017 Dunkirk movie and create a spider diagram while watching. Operation Dynamo: In groups, collect information sheets on four key areas and summarize the most important details (focus on statistics and dates). Churchill’s Initial Hopes: Explain Churchill’s initial belief that only 30,000 troops could be rescued and his hopes for organizing a strategic retreat. The Role of the ‘Little Boats’: Discuss the involvement of 850 civilian vessels in the evacuation and their critical role in rescuing over 338,000 soldiers under heavy fire. The Success of Operation Dynamo: Review the results of Operation Dynamo, including the evacuation of approximately 338,000 Allied troops and its impact on Allied morale. The Perimeter Defence: Explain the fierce fighting and strategic decisions that allowed the Allies to create a perimeter and buy time for the evacuation. Dunkirk: Success or Failure? Read and analyze seven historical sources to determine if they depict Dunkirk as a success or failure. Consider the provenance of each source and its reliability. Writing Task: Write an essay answering the question: “To what extent was Operation Dynamo a success?” Use the PEEKA paragraph structure to present balanced arguments and a conclusion. Class Discussion: Share and discuss the essays. Reflect on the strategic and psychological impacts of Dunkirk. Resources: Spider diagram template Video links for Dunkirk trailers Information sheets on Operation Dynamo Historical sources for success or failure 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 explores the Arctic Convoys during World War II, focusing on their purpose, the challenges faced, and their impact. Students will learn about the significance of these convoys in supporting the USSR and the dangers involved. Activities include map work, analysing primary sources, a gallery walk, and writing a PEEKA paragraph. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the personal experiences of sailors through diary extracts. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss the concept of total war and the necessity of the Arctic Convoys. Define key terms: Lend-Lease, Arctic Convoys. Map Work: Complete the ‘Arctic Convoys’ map sheets, plotting the route from Britain to the Soviet Union. Why Were They Needed? Explain the importance of supplying the USSR after Hitler’s invasion. Discuss the Lend-Lease Act and its significance. Dangers of the Arctic Route: Identify and discuss the dangers: extreme weather, German U-Boats, aircraft, capital ships, and long daylight hours. Watch a video on Convoy PQ17 and discuss the outcomes. Gallery Walk: View images from the Arctic Convoys and write down three adjectives to describe the conditions seen. Diary Extracts: Read extracts from Ivor Davies’ diary. Complete a table identifying themes such as environmental challenges, duties on the ship, threats from the enemy, and isolation. Writing Task: Write a PEEKA paragraph on the most significant challenge faced by the sailors. Use sentence starters and provide detailed evidence. Class Discussion: Share and discuss the written paragraphs. Reflect on how these experiences shaped the relationship between the Allies and the USSR. Resources: Map sheets Video link on Convoy PQ17 Image gallery slides Diary extracts PEEKA paragraph guidelines and sentence starters 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