KS3 History: Medieval Monarchs & Power Complete Scheme of Work

This comprehensive KS3 Medieval bundle of resources has been designed to save hours of planning.

It contains 13 fully resourced and enquiry-based lessons covering the struggles between the Church, the nobility, the people and the Crown.

Students will investigate dramatic historical events, controversial monarchs and enduring mysteries whilst developing the skills of a historian.

Through source analysis, interpretation, debate and extended writing, they will examine how power shifted between kings, nobles, the Church and ordinary people throughout the medieval period.

Throughout the unit, students explore key historical questions such as:

What made a successful medieval monarch?
Why did Henry II come into conflict with the Church?
Was Henry II genuinely sorry for the death of Thomas Becket?
Why did Richard the Lionheart go on Crusade?
How did King John lose the support of his barons?
Why was Magna Carta such a significant turning point?
What caused the Peasants’ Revolt?
Why was Edward II criticised by his nobles?
Was Genghis Khan a great leader or a ruthless conqueror?
Did Richard III really murder the Princes in the Tower?

The lessons place a strong emphasis on developing historical skills alongside substantive knowledge. Students learn how to analyse sources, evaluate interpretations, identify causes and consequences, assess significance, make connections across time periods and construct structured written arguments supported by evidence.

By the end of the unit, students will have developed a deeper understanding of medieval power, authority and society, while gaining valuable experience of historical enquiry and interpretation.

The lessons are broken down into the following:
L1 Medieval Monarchs introduction
L2 The murder of Thomas Becket
L3 Was King Henry II really sorry?
L4 King Richard the Lionheart
L5 Crusades
L6 King John
L7 The Magna Carta
L8 The siege of Rochester Castle (free resource)
L9 The Peasants Revolt
L10 King Edward II
L11 Genghis Khan
L12 The Princes in the Tower (Bonus lesson)
L13 Richard III - King in the Car Park (skills lesson)

These lessons are designed to be fun, challenging, interactive and engaging.

All the lessons are differentiated and come with suggested teaching and learning strategies and link to the latest interpretations from the BBC and other sources.

The resources come in PowerPoint format if there is a wish to adapt and change.