Teaching Medieval England – GCSE history
As medieval history is taught mainly in Y7 in UK schools, this represents quite a departure for GCSE history teachers. As all boards have to comply with this, that means there is strength in depth, especially regarding resources. All boards take a different slant, of course. Some focus on the Normans, others on King John. Here are some typical medieval questions that appear on the draft specification specimen papers.
‘The changes to the feudal system were the greatest change the Normans made after the Conquest.’ How far do you agree with this statement? AQA
‘Edward I’s greatest achievement was the changes he made to the English legal system.’ How far do you agree with this statement? AQA explain why the wool trade was important during the reign of Edward I. AQA
Lessons on each of these questions will follow shortly.
Richard I: Lionheart or loser should we keep his statue – SMART TASK
This short task puts pupils in the role of spin doctors who have to ‘big up’ the reputation of Richard the Lionheart. There is a lobby of people who feel…
Read More
Medieval Britain: The Crusades
Great lesson on the reasons for the First Crusade which uses a Zone of Relevance activity to show students how to answer the question set, not the one they want…
Read MoreWritten by Neil Thompson
All content on Keystage history is written and quality assured by Neil Thompson, a former history teacher, county history adviser and Ofsted inspector with more than 30 years’ experience in history education.