Pirate Fact File

Overview

Age Group: Years 5-6 (ages 9-11)
Class Size: 15 students
Duration: 60 minutes
Unit: Pirate Adventures Uncovered (Lesson 5 of 7)
Lesson Title: Wanted! Creating a Pirate Fact File
Curriculum Links:

• History: National Curriculum (England) Key Stage 2 – Pupils should develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British history and make connections within and across periods. Focus on study of significant individuals (pirates as historical figures).
• English: National Curriculum – Develop research skills, note-taking, summarising, and presenting information in clear written form.
• PSHE: Encourage collaboration and respect for others’ ideas during group work and presentations.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Research and select key facts about a famous historical pirate.
2. Organise information including biographical details, notorious deeds, and their impact on piracy.
3. Present their research clearly in the form of a well-structured fact file.
4. Develop digital literacy and critical thinking by evaluating sources (where applicable).

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Resources Needed

• Pre-prepared pirate research sheets (brief bios, timelines, images) for a range of pirates (e.g., Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Sir Francis Drake, Henry Morgan)
• Fact file templates (printed worksheets with sections: Name, Life Story, Notorious Deeds, Impact, Picture)
• Access to class computers/iPads or printed research materials
• Highlighters, pens, coloured pencils
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector for demonstration
• Timer for activity and presentations

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Lesson Structure

Starter (10 minutes)

Activity: Pirate Brainstorm

• Begin with a quick class discussion on what they already know about pirates. Write key words on the whiteboard (e.g., treasure, ship, pirate flag).
• Show a short, dramatic “wanted” poster or image of a famous pirate for engagement.
• Explain today's task: creating a “Wanted!” Pirate Fact File to show who the pirate was and why they were infamous.
• Discuss briefly the importance of knowing facts, not myths, about pirates.

Teacher Tip: Use the “K-W-L” method (What students Know, Want to know, Learned) to set purpose.

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Main Activity (40 minutes)

Part 1 – Research & Selection (15 minutes)

• Provide groups or pairs with pirate profiles or access to approved research materials.
• Ask students to highlight key details about their pirate: life story, infamous deeds, and historical significance.
• Circulate to support research skills, prompting with guiding questions (e.g., “What makes your pirate important?” “What did they do that made people frightened or famous?”).

Part 2 – Fact File Creation (25 minutes)

• Give students the fact file template. They will:
  • Write a brief biography using their research.
  • Detail two or three notorious deeds.
  • Explain their pirate’s impact on history or pirate mythology.
  • Draw or attach an image of their pirate.
• Encourage neat handwriting or typed work if technology is available.
• Allow some creativity – students may decorate their fact file pirate style (e.g., borders, pirate symbols).

Teacher Tip: Emphasise evidence-based writing and avoid fictional pirate stereotypes.

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Plenary (10 minutes)

Activity: Pirate Gallery Walk

• Students display their fact files around the room.
• Students walk around, read, and leave positive sticky notes or “Like” stamps on the fact files they find most interesting or well-done.
• Ask a few volunteers to present briefly about their pirate to the whole class.
• Recap: What did we learn about pirates? How can fact and myth be different?

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Assessment & Feedback

• Informal assessment through observation of research discussions and quality of fact files.
• Use success criteria checklist: accuracy, completeness, clarity, presentation.
• Peer feedback via gallery walk encourages reflective learning and respect for effort.

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Differentiation & SEND Support

• Provide easier fact sheets or sentence starters for students who need additional support.
• Challenge more able learners to include a comparison between two pirates or explain why piracy declined due to specific individuals.
• Use visual aids and offer verbal support for EAL students.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Developing summarising skills and formal writing.
• Art: Creative presentation of fact files.
• ICT: If using digital tools, practising typing and digital layout skills.
• PSHE: Cooperation and constructive peer feedback.

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Extension Ideas (Home Learning)

• Create a “Pirate Wanted” poster using facts from the fact file.
• Write a diary entry as if you were your chosen pirate.
• Research modern views of pirates and how history has shaped their image.

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Reflection for the Teacher:
This lesson integrates history with creativity and communication, helping pupils develop a balanced understanding of historical individuals often clouded by legend. It encourages investigative skills essential for KS2 History and allows personalised engagement through choice. Using fact files caters well to varied learner strengths while embedding cross-curricular skills.