Edward VI’s Life and Legacy

WALT

We Are Learning To describe the life of Edward VI and understand what made him significant.

National Curriculum Links

• History: Pupils should continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study.
• Key Stage 2: Study the Tudor period and significant historical figures, such as monarchs and their impact on the country.
• Understanding the impact of historical events and figures on British society and governance.

Success Criteria

• I can describe key facts about Edward VI’s life (birth, reign, death).
• I can explain why Edward VI is an important figure in Tudor history.
• I can use historical vocabulary (e.g., heir, monarch, regent, Protestant Reformation).
• I can sequence events from Edward VI’s life in chronological order.

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Lesson Outline (30 minutes)

1. Introduction & Context (5 minutes)

• Engage: Show a portrait of Edward VI and ask, “Who do you think he was? What do you notice about how he is shown?”
• Briefly explain Edward VI was the son of Henry VIII and became king at a young age.
• Use a simple timeline with Tudor monarchs to place Edward VI in historical context.

2. Core Content – Edward VI’s Life (10 minutes)

• Share a dyslexia-friendly story sheet about Edward VI with clear fonts, short paragraphs, and bullet points:

  • Born: 1537
  • Became King: 1547, aged 9
  • Regency: Ruled with help from adult advisors (e.g., Duke of Somerset)
  • Significance: Promoted Protestantism and religious reform
  • Died: 1553, aged 15

• Discuss what it meant to be a child monarch and how his advisors influenced England’s religion during his reign.

3. Activity – Sequence & Significance (10 minutes)

• Create a timeline card activity:
  • Students receive six cards with key Edward VI facts/events (birth, becoming king, regency, religious reforms, death, impact).
  • They work together to order the events correctly on a timeline strip.
• Follow with a discussion: “Why is Edward VI a significant figure despite his short reign?”
• Encourage use of key vocabulary learned.

4. Plenary & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Ask each student to share one thing they found interesting about Edward VI and one reason why he is important.
• Use a mini whiteboard or paper for them to write a sentence summarising Edward’s significance.
• Give verbal praise and constructive feedback.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For additional support: Provide visual aids such as illustrated timelines and portraits; use verbal explanations alongside reading materials.
• For dyslexic learners: Offer dyslexia-friendly resources (coloured paper, larger fonts, bullet points) and allow oral responses or drawing timelines instead of writing.
• For advanced learners: Challenge with extra questions on Tudor religious reforms or ask them to compare Edward VI with other child monarchs in history.

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Extension Activities

• Research and create a simple profile of Edward VI’s advisor, the Duke of Somerset, explaining his role.
• Write a diary entry imagining being a young person living during Edward VI’s reign, describing changes they might notice.
• Explore the impact of Edward’s religious reforms on different groups in England.

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Resources Needed

• Dyslexia-friendly Edward VI story sheet
• Portrait of Edward VI (print or digital)
• Timeline strip and event cards for sequencing activity
• Mini whiteboards, paper, or notebooks for plenary writing
• Coloured overlays or paper for dyslexic students

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This lesson incorporates engaging, multisensory learning approaches aligned with the National Curriculum, fostering historical understanding and critical thinking in a compact 30-minute session designed for two pupils.