Medieval Japan Exploration

Overview

Duration: 50 minutes
Class size: 30 students
Year group: Year 7
Subject: History
Topic: Medieval History of Japan (12th to 16th Century)
National Curriculum References:

• UK History Programme of Study for Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) focuses on non-European history and the opportunity to study other societies to broaden historical understanding.
• Focus on historical chronology, significance of events, and understanding cultural differences, contributing to a global historical perspective.

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Lesson Objectives

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

• Describe key features of medieval Japan, particularly the samurai, shogunate, and feudal society.
• Explain how medieval Japan was organised socially and politically and compare it briefly with medieval Europe.
• Identify significant events and cultural elements from medieval Japan (e.g., Bushido code, role of the samurai, castle building).
• Develop skills in historical enquiry by analysing images and primary sources (e.g., samurai armour, woodblock prints).
• Reflect on how geography and culture influenced historical development in a non-European context.

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Resources Needed

• Large world map (physical or digital) showing Japan and Europe for contextual introduction
• Printed images of samurai armour, Japanese castles, and the shogun
• Short primary source excerpt on the Bushido code (translated for accessibility)
• Whiteboard or interactive board
• Worksheet with source-based questions and Venn diagram template for comparing societies
• Timer for timed activities
• Sticky notes and markers for group work

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Lesson Breakdown

Starter (5 minutes)

Engage:

• Begin with a quick interactive quiz using an online polling tool or show of hands: What do you know about medieval Japan? and What are some famous things from that period?
• Show physical/digital map highlighting Japan’s location relative to the UK and Europe, explaining why we study non-European medieval history.

Introduction (10 minutes)

Explain:

• Provide a brief, lively presentation with images on the main features of medieval Japan (Tokugawa Shogunate, samurai warriors, feudal system, castles).
• Introduce key vocabulary: shogun, daimyo, samurai, Bushido, shogunate, feudalism.
• Compare briefly with English medieval society to contextualise for Y7 students.

Main Activity - Group Inquiry (25 minutes)

Explore and Analyse:

• Divide the class into six groups of five (slightly adapting for actual class size). Each group is given a different source/image or short text relating to medieval Japan (e.g., samurai armour, Bushido code extract, castle design, peasants’ life under feudal rule).
• Groups analyse their source using guided questions on the worksheet (Who? What? Why important? How does this connect to the society?)
• After discussion, groups summarise their findings on sticky notes and attach them to a large timeline/chart on the board.

Extension Challenge for fast finishers:

• Using a Venn diagram worksheet, begin comparing aspects of medieval Japan with medieval England.

Plenary (10 minutes)

Reflect and Assess:

• Invite groups to present key points from their source analysis briefly (1-2 minutes each).
• Conduct a whole class discussion on the similarities and differences between medieval Japan and medieval England focusing on governance, warrior culture, and society.
• Highlight student observations and correct any misconceptions.
• Summarise the lesson by revisiting the original quiz questions—now with deeper insights.

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Differentiation & SEN Support

• Provide simplified texts and images for students requiring support.
• Pair less confident learners with stronger peers during group work.
• Use clear, visual-based questioning for EAL learners.
• Incorporate mini breaks during longer group discussions.

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Assessment for Learning

• Peer feedback during presentations.
• Teacher observation and questioning during group work and plenary.
• Completed worksheet as evidence of understanding.
• Formative assessment of ability to identify key historical features and make comparisons.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Geography: Location and physical context of Japan compared to the UK and Europe.
• English: Reading and interpreting historical texts and sources.
• Art: Appreciation of Japanese artistic elements through prints and armour imagery.

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Extensions and Enrichment Ideas

• Homework: Create a diary entry or letter from the perspective of a samurai or peasant in medieval Japan.
• Invite a local expert or use a virtual guest session on East Asian history.
• Explore martial arts and their roots in samurai traditions in a PE or drama class.

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This lesson plan develops students’ historical knowledge of a fascinating non-European society, enhancing cultural understanding and critical thinking skills within the UK curriculum framework.