The aim of this lesson is to evaluate why Henry VIII is remembered as one of the most famous and larger-than-life monarchs in British history.
Students investigate how Henry VIII changed throughout his reign by analysing four famous portraits, from his athletic youth to his later years. They explore how these images have shaped Henry’s reputation before considering whether they present an accurate picture of the Tudor king.
A collaborative writing activity allows students to co-construct a detailed descriptive paragraph about Henry VIII, using historical evidence, key vocabulary and peer support. This highly engaging task promotes teamwork, literacy and differentiation while developing students’ historical understanding.
The lesson also challenges the common misconception that Henry VIII was always overweight and obsessed with food. Through video evidence and a Thinking Quilt activity, students examine how Henry’s appearance, health and personality changed over time and consider what he should really be remembered for.
The lesson concludes with a retrieval plenary in which students summarise Henry VIII’s achievements, personality and legacy before reaching an overall judgement about his significance.
An enquiry question is introduced at the start of the lesson and revisited throughout, enabling students to track their progress and develop a deeper understanding of Henry VIII and the Tudor monarchy.
Fully planned and ready to teach, this lesson develops historical enquiry, interpretation, chronology, literacy and retrieval skills.
Included in this lesson:
Fully editable PowerPoint
Henry VIII through four famous portraits
Myth versus reality investigation
Collaborative descriptive writing activity
Thinking Quilt challenge
Video analysis activities
Retrieval practice plenary
Historical vocabulary support
Differentiated resources and suggested teaching strategies
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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.
KS3 Tudors Complete Enquiry Bundle
A complete KS3 Tudors scheme of work with 20 fully resources lessons covering Henry VII to Elizabeth I. It includes enquiry questions, retrieval practice, differentiated tasks, source analysis and GCSE-style historical skills. It is ideal preparation for GCSE. Students will the concepts of continuity and change with the Wars of the Roses and the accession of Henry VII to the throne, key historical terms such as dissolution, Catholic and Protestant and vagrancy, recognise the causes and consequences of Henry VIII's break with Rome, analyse the significance of the Black Tudors, Edward VI and Elizabeth I as well as evaluating sources and interpretations such as the reputation of Mary I. It is designed to save planning time whilst keeping the students engaged and challenged. Included in every lesson: Fully editable PowerPoint Retrieval practice Enquiry question focus Historical skills tasks Source analysis Literacy support and scaffolding Suggested teaching strategies Plenary and review tasks The 20 lessons are broken down into the following: L1 An introduction to the Tudors L2 Henry VII L3 Did Henry VIII break with Rome for love? L4 Did Henry VIII break with Rome for faith? L5 Did Henry VIII break with Rome for money? L6 The dissolution of the monasteries L7 The sinking of the Mary Rose L8 Edward VI L9 Bloody Mary L10 Black Tudors L11 The young Elizabeth L12 The Elizabethan Settlement (free resource) L13 Elizabeth and the problem of marriage L14 Elizabeth and her portraits L15 How did Elizabeth deal with Mary, Queen of Scots? L16 Famous explorers (Drake, Hawkins and Raleigh) L17 The Spanish Armada L18 Elizabeth, poverty and the Poor Law L19 Elizabethan Theatre and the Globe Due to TES restrictions on Bundles, the introduction to the Tudors, which is a free lesson, must be downloaded separately. Please click on this link to access: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-11935475
KS3 Tudor England Lessons and Resources Bundle
I have designed the lessons to be challenging and engaging as well as fun and enjoyable. The aims of this bundle are to know and understand how peoples' lives were shaped by the Tudors from Henry VII to Mary I, how they changed the course of British history and why we are still fascinated by their lives today. Students will learn and understand key historical skills throughout; for example, the concepts of continuity and change under Henry VII after the Wars of the Roses, recognising the causes and consequences of Henry’s break with Rome, explaining the similarities and differences in the reigns of the Tudors, analysing the significance of the Black Tudors and Edward VI as well as evaluating sources and interpretations, such as the reputation of Mary 1. The 11 lessons are broken down into the following: L1 An introduction to the Tudors (free lesson) L2 Henry VII L3 Henry VIII introduction L4 Did Henry VIII break with Rome for love? L5 Did Henry VIII break with Rome for faith? L6 Did Henry VIII break with Rome for money? L7 The dissolution of the monasteries L8 The sinking of the Mary Rose L9 Edward VI L10 Bloody Mary L11 Black Tudors Each lesson comes with suggested teaching and learning strategies and are linked to the latest historical interpretations and debate from the BBC and other sources. The lessons are fully adaptable in PowerPoint format and can be changed to suit. I have included a free lesson to give an idea of what is being offered. Although this bundle is aimed at Key Stage 3, it is ideal if you are studying the Tudors for GCSE as it covers the main themes, concepts and skills required. The Tudor England bundle Part 2 can be found here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/the-tudors-elizabeth-i-1558-1603-bundle-11940619
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