This suite of resources covers the requirements for source evaluation in History at KS3, and is designed to introduce students to the idea of using sources as evidence in a variety of contexts.
The resources can be used independently if you are teaching a specific topic but we recommend that students new to the idea of source evaluation try Brenda's Murder as a fun introduction to the concepts.
Brenda's Murder presents students with a scenario (differentiated by ability) then asks them to identify, analyse and evaluate evidence in order to solve the case. Students become comfortable with the processes involved without being tied to a specific (and potentially intimidating) historical context.
Henry II and Thomas Becket is a source-based resource which uses the same structure as Brenda's Murder whilst encouraging students to engage with a set of genuine historical sources.
Both resources are based on the same structure, offering quizzes which test students' ability to:
In the case of Brenda's Murder, students use these processes as a way of gathering the information required to reveal who the killer is.
In Henry II and Thomas Becket, students' source work is the basis for forming independent opinions. The conclusions they draw from their source analysis can be polled in the What Do You Think? survey template, and projected (or written) on the board to facilitate a dynamic and engaging class discussion on areas of ambiguity or disagreement between students.
Use the links below to preview the three scenariae, differentiated by NC level:
Preview the accompanying assignments using the links below:
Use this link to preview the sources:
Preview the accompanying assignments using the links below:
Lesson plans suggesting how to get the most out of these resources are available here.