Ancient Civilisations Exploration

Overview

Duration: 120 minutes
Class size: 1 student
Age: Year 8 (12-13 years old)
Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales (Expressive Arts and Humanities Area of Learning and Experience)
Theme: Investigating Ancient Civilisations — focusing on real-life connections and historical enquiry
Teaching approach: Interactive, student-led, with multimodal resources to engage diverse learners and support dyslexic students

Learning Objectives (WALT)

WALT describe key features of ancient civilisations and their legacies in Wales and the wider world.
WALT understand how historians investigate the past using different types of evidence.
WALT make connections between historical events and present-day life, recognising impact and change over time.
WALT develop critical thinking by analysing sources and expressing historical viewpoints.

Curriculum for Wales Reference

Humanities Programme of Study, Year 8
Level Descriptors: Continuously developing understanding of chronological frameworks and cultural developments
Key Concepts: Change and continuity; Cause and consequence; Significance
Cross-curricular Skills: Critical thinking and creativity; literacy and communication

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation & Resources
0-10 min	Hook & Prior Knowledge	Interactive discussion: "What do you know about Ancient Civilisations?"
Student shares ideas orally or by drawing a mind map.	Use dyslexia-friendly oral prompts and graphic organisers.
10-30 min	Exploring Evidence - Real Artefact Analysis	Use images and descriptions of artefacts (coins, pottery, tools) from Ancient Rome, Egypt, or Celts found in Wales.
Student analyses real-world connections.	Audio descriptions for images; glossary of key terms included; concrete visual resources.
30-50 min	Storytelling: Daily Life in Ancient Civilisations	Read/follow a dyslexia-friendly story about a teenager living in Ancient Rome or Celtic Wales.
Student imagines and records what life might be like today if living then.	Story is simplified with clear fonts, summaries, and illustrations. Verbal storytelling option.
50-60 min	WALT Reflection	Reflect verbally or write a few sentences about what has been learned so far.	Use speech-to-text tools if writing is difficult.
60-90 min	Real-Life Historical Enquiry Task	Role-play: The student acts as a young historian tasked with advising a museum curator on how to display a new artefact found in Wales.
Prepare a short presentation or a visual poster summarising the artefact’s story, significance, and cultural impact.	Graphic template for poster; options for spoken or written presentation; allow drawing or digital formats.
90-110 min	Peer Learning Simulation & Critical Thinking	As it is a 1:1 class, teacher models a historical debate asking questions like: “How do artefacts help us understand history? What are the limits of evidence?”
Student responds verbally or in writing, practising argument and evaluation skills.	Sentence starters, exemplar responses, and supportive questioning for scaffolding.
110-120 min	Plenary & Extension	Summarise key learning points with a creative exit task: Design a modern-day item inspired by an ancient artefact.
Discuss how history influences daily objects today.	Drawing materials or digital art apps; word bank provided; option for oral explanation.

Differentiation Strategies

For diverse learners:
- Use multisensory approaches: combine visuals, audio, and hands-on activities
- Break tasks into small, manageable chunks with clear instructions
- Provide graphic organisers and mind maps to structure thinking
- Use dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic), coloured overlays and audio support for reading materials
For advanced learners:
- Challenge them to critique the reliability of sources or hypothesise what artefacts might reveal about hidden aspects of society
- Encourage independent mini research about lesser-known ancient cultures linked to Wales, such as the Iron Age Celts
- Support creating a detailed historical journal entry or blog post from the perspective of an ancient individual

Assessment & Success Criteria

Student can accurately describe at least three features of an ancient civilisation and their impact today.
Student demonstrates ability to interpret evidence and draw conclusions about the past.
Student presents an artefact’s story clearly, using historical vocabulary.
Student reflects with insight on the challenges of understanding history from limited sources.

Evidence collected through:

Oral responses and reflections
Artefact display poster or presentation
Creative exit task artefact design

Additional Notes

Use real artefact replicas or quality images sourced from Welsh museums or heritage sites to increase engagement and authenticity.
Incorporate frequent check-ins to adapt pacing for the student's engagement and understanding.
Prioritise a relaxed and dialogic environment to nurture curiosity and confidence in historical enquiry.

This lesson plan honours the Curriculum for Wales’ emphasis on meaningful learning experiences grounded in historical enquiry and real-world relevance, tailored for a Year 8 student in an engaging and accessible manner.