Years 3/4 (Year B): Our Island Story The Age of Power The study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronology beyond 1066 This unit allows the children to investigate the reign of one of Britain’s most powerful monarchs. They should note connections, contrasts and similarities over time, comparing our current monarch with Henry VIII. It also offers an in depth study of life in Tudor times.
Opening Visit from ‘Henry VIII’, to hold court for the day in the school hall. Investigations 1. Who was Henry VIII and how did he come to be on the throne? 2. How can we go about researching life in Tudor times? What evidence remains? 3. What was Henry VIII court, and where was it held? 4. How should a lady / gentleman dress for the court of Henry VIII? 5. What would people have been talking about at Tudor banquets? Key events and colourful characters of the era. 6. How would Henry VIII have been entertained during a Tudor banquet? 7. Why were black teeth so fashionable in the Tudor times? Reflection Hold a Tudor banquet in the school hall, with all Lower Key Stage 2. Children to design menus, costumes, dances, have minstrels playing music, and enjoy an afternoon at court!
English LC1 provides super research opportunities when children focus on one famous person from our history.
Mathematics LC1 Ordering and comparing dates during introduction to the War of the Roses and various battles. LC4 Taking measurements for ruffs, making hats, etc. LC7 Measuring ingredients for making food Digital Literacy Opening and Reflection Film and photographs captured of the final event, allowing for various digital opportunities (blogging, ‘archive’ film of a Tudor banquet, etc). Dance LC6 Link to dance during performing arts sessions. Research Tudor dance and children to come up with short dance to present to the rest of ‘Court’. Design Technology LC2, LC7, Reflection Healthy eating and preparing food for the banquet. LC4 A textiles unit could be incorporated, giving children time at home to design and make their own parts of Tudor costume.