• Target Keystage(s): Key Stage 2,
• Curriculum Subject(s): Citizenship, English, Geography, History,
• Who Do We Think We Are Theme(s): Britishness, national identity/values & 2012 Games, History/Settlement,

Above: WDWTWA World Map Logo

This Key Stage 2 unit of study about the Legacy of Empire was written by education consultant Sarah Nunn (SN Creative Education Consultancy). The unit comprises seven lessons which provide opportunities for young people to explore the foundations of the British Empire during the Elizabethan era, investigate reasons for its development and subsequent decline over the centuries and reflect on its legacies from a 21st century perspective.

The key learning objectives for children and young people are:

• To understand what an Empire is
• To use a range of maps to identify the extent of the British Empire
• To use different dramatic approaches and techniques to explore the motivations of historical figures and evaluate the impact of their decisions
• To understand that Transatlantic Slavery was founded on the desire to cultivate sugar in the plantations in the West Indies
• To explore resources to gather factual knowledge about why Transatlantic Slavery grew
• To consider the legacy of the arrival of Captain Cook to the indigenous Aboriginal people of Australia
• To understand that during Queen Victoria's reign the British Empire was at its height
• To investigate the origins of iconic images of contemporary British culture
• To be able to review and reflect learning and apply new understanding to formulate a 21st century perspective of the British Empire
• To be able to use the techniques of dialogic talk to explore topics and issues

Some of the key questions covered over the course of the seven lessons are as follows:

• What is an Empire?
• What motivates countries to build an Empire?
• How did Queen Elizabeth I view England's position in the world?
• How did Britain view itself in relation to the rest of the world during the Victorian era?
• What is a legacy?
• Can you reflect on the legacies of the British Empire from a 21st century perspective?

To download the module overview and lesson plans please select the links to the attachments shown below:

• Key Stage 2 Module Overview - Legacy of Empire
• Lesson Plans - Legacy of Empire

Additional information:
SN Creative Education Consultancy can deliver this module of work with schools. The method, practice, and resources that underpin this module can be personalised for schools. For further information about booking SN Creative Education to deliver this module, facilitate selected sessions and develop the teacher and pupil in role aspects of the unit please contact:

SN Creative Education Consultancy
Email: sarah_nunn@sky.com
Tel: +44 (0)7984 707926