This is an outline of a lesson structure I use all the time to create more lesson time for developing understanding, rather than knowledge transmission, and to encourage students to become more independent in their arguments.

Inspired by the idea of learning grids (See Outstanding teaching Engaging Learners by Andy Griffith and Mark Burns, p38), this game contains all the key events of the period from 1524-1534 - the King's Great Matter (quest for an annulment) to the Act of Supremacy. Rules for the game are included. The objectives are to recap key events and to link ideas together. A summary of events in the years 1524-1534 (pertinent to the annulment/supremacy) is also included.

Full title: How useful is the movie Gladiator for investigating the power of the Roman Army ? Extended source evaluation really. Half a term’s work (at 1.5hrs per week approx). Students look at the opening scenes of gladiator and identify the interpretation within the movie. They study the Roman Army and then compare their findings to the movie, concluding with a formal answer to exam style question on reliability/utility (adaptable).

<p>‘Dominos’ exercise - to build up an account of what happened after Bloody Sunday. Differentiated versions plus thinking tasks at the end</p>

Game to explore the period between the abdication of the Tsar and the Bolshevik Revolution. Wrap up activities and instructions for teacher included

<p>Lengthy task for higher ability students about Hitler’s takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1938. Involves students having to complete series of tasks in order to ‘earn’ the next set of notes. Teacher’s notes at front of task. Would be easy to break do

Activity for teaching about the Japanese invasion of Manchuria 1931.

Not flashy but hopefully a useful revision resource for those treaties which are mentioned variously throughout the syllabus but without lots of emphasis.

Ppt to support spaced learning activity. covers period from Ebert being given power by Prince Max in November to establishment of new constitution after signing of TOV in July 1919

students create soundscape to reflect ebb and flow of threat posed by the three rebellions of 1536-1537. supporting notes provided. easily adaptable activity.

Students use chronology on paper slips to create a huge graph across the desks. This graph (and obviously the discussion which goes with it) answers 2 questions: was foreign policy in this period a success or a failure?; what factors influenced foreign policy in this period? Photograph of student graph included for reference. Lesson plan (mirrors activity for foreign policy 1509-1527 available on TES) plus key notes for students revision.

Complete notes for AS students to use as pre-reading/revision. Plus lesson activity: Students use chronology on paper slips to create a huge graph across the desks. This graph (and obviously the discussion which goes with it) answers 2 questions: was foreign policy in this period a success or a failure?; what factors influenced foreign policy in this period?Lesson plan and photograph of student graph included for reference.

Complete notes for AS students to use as pre-reading/revision. Plus lesson activity:Students use chronology on paper slips to create a huge graph across the desks. This graph (and obviously the discussion which goes with it) answers 2 questions: was foreign policy in this period a success or a failure?; what factors influenced foreign policy in this period? Photograph of student graph included for reference.

notes on the King's Great Matter - revised for 2015 spec Designed to take 2 x 1 hour lessons with a homework in between a) Lesson plan 1 at the end of the notes b) homework - reading of the notes in line with task on lesson plan c) Lesson 2 - structured discussion lesson using the SOLO taxonomy questions attached

Using cartoons in the press currently to explore exam skills. Use of current cartoons/news stories designed to remove the double burden of acquiring skills and thinking about unfamiliar materials.

A P4C style lesson exploring the concept of historical significance and offering KS3 students ways of measuring it. Very detailed lesson notes on first couple of pages

Spaced learning powerpoint and detailed notes with questions

Pecha Kucha is a Japanese powerpoint competition format. It is based on 20 slides auto timed to last 20 seconds each. I have reduced this to 10 slides for KS3. My reasons for doing this are:\n1) It allows for personalised learning\n2) it gives homework more of a meaningful structure than a 'finish off...&' homework, which is always tempting under pressure\n3) it should help students develop research and presentation skills they will need later\n4) it should preclude &';reading from slides' presentations\n5) it should help to develop constructive criticism as a skill

collaborative quiz exercise to investigate new technology on western front, plus follow up tasks

"The Pen is mightier than the sword" How far do you agree? Draws together theme of power and protest and consolidates essay writing skills.