Students choose a character from myths and legends of Ancient Greece and search the web to see if their subject is a hero or villain, and whether their role changes in different stories. Goddesses are often more capricious in these tales - what does that tell us?

KS3

Why are key figures heroes at certain times in history and villains in others? Why did the Victorians admire Oliver Cromwell, when, 200 years before, his grave was desecrated? The Cromwell Association is a great starting point: www.olivercromwell.org

This process applies to many other figures - eg the factory reformer Lord Ashley, the Earl of Shaftesbury (www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.ukIRashley.htm) or the abolitionist William Wilberforce (www.channel4.comhistorymicrositesSslavetrademain.html)

KS45

The National Archives offers the opportunity to put some spice into lessons with databases on First World War medals and service records. Or use the National Archives Learning Curve web resource Heroes and Villains www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

www.learningcurve.gov.ukheroesvillains