Post-1066 thematic

A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge and understanding beyond 1066. The purpose of this unit, as conceived by Gove et al, was two-fold: firstly, to offer opportunities to develop big picture overviews of topics which help pupils to appreciate the long arc of history; secondly, to give pupils a chance to study more modern history.  For many of you this will offer scope for an imaginative new unit of work. For others it will be a chance to reconfigure some of the units from the previous curriculum that were in danger of being lost.

After much consultation with schools, we have decided to focus on 2 main topics in this section: 1. Crime and Punishment over 1,000 years.  This unit is now complete. There is not only an outstanding detailed medium term planner, there are also all the teaching activities , PowerPoint presentations and and pupils’ resources to make the unit complete.

2. Beyond Face Value: Now complete ( Nov.2020) . A study of how propaganda was used over time, by the Tudors , the Victorians and the British government during World War Two. This incorporates: 2 existing outstanding lessons on the image of Henry VIII and Elizabeth ( see Tudor page); one on Victorian factory conditions ( See Victorian Britain) and one on government propaganda which appears in the Second World War section. There are then two brand-new lessons , one on Victorian townlife as  explored through their paintings, and the other on how the government manipulated public opinion through censorship of still and moving film and through propaganda on the Home Front.

This really is an amazing unit of work. Not only does it link 3 periods of history which are in danger of not being taught at all at KS2, more importantly it addresses the key issue of how historians write history. How do they know who to believe? How do they spot propaganda and the effects of censorship. Knowing how to be sceptical, and how to test assertions being made nowadays (about holidays, food, new gadgets etc) are skills for life. Pupils need training. These lessons do the job brilliantly. So pleased that so many of you agree!

NEW. This has attracted considerable interest and a  copy of the planner and KQ6 are now loaded on the site ( Sept.2020). Even better, all  the enquiry-led key questions, learning objectives, motivating classroom activities and well chosen resources are all available whilst we await copyright clearance on a few remaining resources for KQ4. Subscribers just need to email for copies of these ground breaking materials.