Witchcraft and witch trials

1-Hour Lesson – Fully Interactive – Ready to Teach

Dear Colleague,

Bring the fear and mystery of early modern witchcraft to life with this engaging lesson. Students will investigate the reasons behind accusations of witchcraft, analyse how supposed “evidence” was used against the accused, and evaluate a real witchcraft case study through a 12-mark exam-style question.

All lessons in this series are interactively assessed and follow a clear, consistent structure, helping students track their progress and build strong knowledge and writing skills step by step.

Learning Objectives:
LO1: Identify the reasons why people were accused of witchcraft.
LO2: Evaluate the features confirming that a person was considered a witch.
LO3: Assess a witchcraft case study through a 12-mark exam-style question.

Lesson Features:
Knowledge-building tasks on social, religious, and economic causes of witchcraft accusations.
Analysis of key texts such as Malleus Maleficarum and Daemonologie.
Timeline activities covering witchcraft trials and events in England and Europe.
12-mark exam-style practice with model answers and writing support.

Fully assessed tasks for every stage of the lesson.

What’s Included:
Complete PowerPoint presentation
Worksheets and case study materials
Exam question templates with guidance
Extension tasks for higher-achieving students

This resource is ideal for KS3 History but can also be adapted for GCSE studies on Early Modern England and crime and punishment.

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If you encounter any issues, please email me at alepitirra@hotmail.it
and I’ll do my best to solve them.

Best regards,