This lesson covers the Shang and Zhou dynasties, highlighting their contributions to Chinese culture and governance. Students engage in activities like timeline sorting, watching documentaries, and analysing oracle bones. They learn about the Mandate of Heaven, Lady Fu Hao’s military campaigns, and the development of Chinese writing, deepening their understanding of early Chinese civilisation and its lasting impact. Taken from a series of 10 lessons on The Bronze Age. They provide an excellent and engaging introduction to the ancient world and addresses many of the founding civilisations, stories and achievements that shape the rest of history. No study of history would be complete without these lessons. 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: Bronze Age Overview Sumerians and Mesopotamia Indus Valley The Magan People of Arabia (The UAE & Oman) Minoans on Crete and the Minotaur Mycenaeans and the Trojan War The Shang & Zhou Dynasty The Legend of Atlantis The Sea Peoples – Migration or Conquest? The Mystery of the Bronze Age Collapse 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 delves into the mysterious Sea Peoples, who disrupted Late Bronze Age civilisations. Students examine evidence from ancient texts and archaeological finds, engage in group discussions, and develop theories about the origins and impact of the Sea Peoples. Activities include creating an evidence notebook, analysing carvings and artifacts, and presenting their conclusions, fostering analytical skills and historical inquiry. Taken from a series of 10 lessons on The Bronze Age. They provide an excellent and engaging introduction to the ancient world and addresses many of the founding civilisations, stories and achievements that shape the rest of history. No study of history would be complete without these lessons. 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: Bronze Age Overview Sumerians and Mesopotamia Indus Valley The Magan People of Arabia (The UAE & Oman) Minoans on Crete and the Minotaur Mycenaeans and the Trojan War The Shang & Zhou Dynasty The Legend of Atlantis The Sea Peoples – Migration or Conquest? The Mystery of the Bronze Age Collapse 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

Students investigate the legend of Atlantis, exploring its origins in Plato’s writings. Activities include watching videos, relaying map details, and breaking a Caesar code. They analyse sources, discuss the historical basis of the legend, and create their own theories about Atlantis’ existence. The lesson blends mythology with historical skills, engaging students in critical thinking and code-breaking tasks. Taken from a series of 10 lessons on The Bronze Age. They provide an excellent and engaging introduction to the ancient world and addresses many of the founding civilisations, stories and achievements that shape the rest of history. No study of history would be complete without these lessons. 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: Bronze Age Overview Sumerians and Mesopotamia Indus Valley The Magan People of Arabia (The UAE & Oman) Minoans on Crete and the Minotaur Mycenaeans and the Trojan War The Shang & Zhou Dynasty The Legend of Atlantis The Sea Peoples – Migration or Conquest? The Mystery of the Bronze Age Collapse 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 covers Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China. Students will explore his role as the fifth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, his unification of China, and his contributions to trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, and evaluating his major achievements. The lesson aims to illustrate Kublai Khan’s impact on Chinese history, highlighting his governance, infrastructure projects, and promotion of a multicultural society. 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 introduces students to Confucius and his philosophy of Confucianism. They will explore key principles such as ethics, filial piety, and social harmony, and understand their impact on ancient China and East Asian cultures. Activities include video analysis, keyword activities, reading and analysing The Analects, and practical application of Confucian virtues through problem-solving scenarios. The lesson aims to highlight the enduring influence of Confucianism on personal behaviour and societal structures. 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 explores the Shang and Zhou Dynasties of ancient China, highlighting their cultural, technological, and governance advancements. Students will investigate significant contributions such as bronze work and oracle bones from the Shang, and the Zhou’s Mandate of Heaven. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, and narrative writing exercises focused on oracle bone ceremonies. The lesson aims to enhance understanding of these dynasties’ lasting legacies in Chinese 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

Students explore the mysterious collapse of Bronze Age civilisations, examining various theories and evidence. Activities include analysing primary sources, creating timelines, and participating in group debates. They watch videos on the period’s decline and investigate factors such as natural disasters, invasions, and economic troubles. The lesson encourages critical thinking and understanding of the complex factors that led to this pivotal historical transition. Taken from a series of 10 lessons on The Bronze Age. They provide an excellent and engaging introduction to the ancient world and addresses many of the founding civilisations, stories and achievements that shape the rest of history. No study of history would be complete without these lessons. 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: Bronze Age Overview Sumerians and Mesopotamia Indus Valley The Magan People of Arabia (The UAE & Oman) Minoans on Crete and the Minotaur Mycenaeans and the Trojan War The Shang & Zhou Dynasty The Legend of Atlantis The Sea Peoples – Migration or Conquest? The Mystery of the Bronze Age Collapse 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 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

In this lesson, students discover the life and works of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers in English literature. Activities include video analysis of his biography, sorting timeline cards to map his career, and researching one of his plays in detail. Students will perform scenes from Shakespearean plays, create summaries and analyses of selected works, and participate in discussions on Shakespeare’s impact on literature and theatre. 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 examines the short-term cause of World War I: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Students will explore the events leading up to the assassination, the key figures involved, and the immediate consequences. Activities include note-taking, video analysis, writing a newspaper report, and sorting events chronologically. The lesson concludes with a discussion on how this event acted as a spark in an already tense Europe. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Overview of the significance of Franz Ferdinand’s assassination as a short-term cause of WWI. Major Events and People: Talk through slides 1-14 detailing the key events and figures. Students make notes using the provided worksheet. Video Analysis: Watch a video on the assassination and answer guiding questions. Background: Discuss the political situation in 1908 with Bosnia’s annexation and the resulting tensions with Serbia. The Visit: Explain Franz Ferdinand’s visit to Sarajevo and the Black Hand Gang’s plan. First Attack: Describe the failed bomb attempt by the Black Hand Gang. Assassination: Detail Gavrilo Princip’s successful assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Princip’s Capture: Discuss the capture and arrest of Gavrilo Princip. Newspaper Report: Students write a newspaper report based on first-hand accounts and quotes from witnesses. Sorting Activity: Sort timeline cards of events leading to the outbreak of war in chronological order. Path to War: Discuss whether the assassination alone would have been enough to start the war and the idea of long-term issues as the ‘soil’ and short-term triggers as the ‘spark’. Resources: Worksheet for note-taking Video link Printable timeline cards Quotes for newspaper report 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 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.

Lesson Description (75 words): This lesson explores the harsh conditions of trench warfare during World War I. Students will examine the daily life of soldiers in the trenches, including the physical and psychological challenges they faced. Activities include video analysis, literature review, a relay activity for note-taking, and writing a trench diary entry. The lesson concludes with a peer assessment of the diary entries to reinforce understanding and historical empathy. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Watch a video on trench conditions. Make a list of six adjectives to describe the trenches and discuss with classmates. Trenches in Literature: Read extracts from historical texts. Highlight important phrases and unfamiliar words. Share findings with the class. Relay Activity: In teams, relay run to gather details about six key characteristics of trench life. Memorise and relay the information to create an accurate replica in their notebooks. Censorship Discussion: Discuss why soldiers’ letters were censored and what information might be controlled. Think-pair-share on what soldiers might do knowing their letters would be censored. Trench Diaries: Write a letter home as a soldier, describing daily life in the trenches, including all six key areas covered in the relay task. Include a cheerful note about camaraderie and friendships. Tea stain the letter to make it look old and realistic. Submit the letter for peer censoring. Peer Assessment: Use a checklist to assess a partner’s trench diary entry. Provide specific feedback on historical skills and writing. Resources: Video link Historical text extracts Relay activity notes Suggested sentence starters 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 examines the nature and impact of trench warfare during World War I. Students will learn about the development and structure of trenches, the daily life of soldiers, and the weaponry used. Activities include video analysis, group research on weapons, and a trench drawing exercise. The lesson concludes with a paragraph writing task using key vocabulary and peer feedback to solidify understanding. Lesson Content and Activities: Introduction: Discuss why trench warfare was relatively new on this scale and the shift from previous military tactics. Watch a clip from the Waterloo movie for context. Weapons of War: Introduction to key weapons that changed warfare: machine guns, artillery, barbed wire, bolt-action rifles, chemical weapons, tanks, and aircraft. Team Teaching: In groups, research a specific weapon and create a 2-minute presentation. Present findings to other groups, focusing on the weapon’s impact on battles. Trench Features: Draw and label a simplified trench diagram in notebooks. Discuss the different parts of a trench, including latrine, sandbags, machine gun positions, duckboards, periscopes, firesteps, and barbed wire. Trench Network Management: Discuss how soldiers were rotated through different trenches and the reasons behind this system. No-Man’s Land: Discuss the challenges and horrors of No-Man’s Land, including the difficulties of retrieving bodies and the psychological impact on soldiers. Literature Review: Read an extract from “All Quiet on the Western Front” to understand the demoralising reality of trench warfare. Writing Task: Plan and write a paragraph explaining trench warfare using new vocabulary. Include terms like bolt-action rifles, gas, aircraft, duckboards, artillery, barbed wire, No-Man’s Land, zig-zag trench, support trench, reserve trench, tanks, machine guns, periscope, sandbags, communication trenches, dugouts, and dressing stations. Peer review the paragraphs for accuracy and completeness. Resources: Video clip link Research slides for weapons Simplified trench diagram Literature extract from “All Quiet on the Western Front” Peer review 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.