Workshop on Henry VII
This example outline, on a half-day workshop on Henry VII for A Level students in York, shows the content of the session.
Date: 20th April 2007
Attendance: 45 students
Core Question – Was Henry VII an Effective King?
The workshop reviewed Henry VII's kingship by addressing the core question 'Was Henry VII an effective king?'. Active Learning and source work were included, looking at:
- Interpretations of Henry (historiography exercise)
- Why has Henry's reputation changed in recent years
- Henry, a cold-blooded accountant?
- His personality, interests and skills
- Relationships with his nobility & gentry
- Richard III's legacy - a difficult inheritance?
- What was expected of a king
- The significance of foreign relations
During the session students were required to create a timeline, take part in a structured role play and use 2 different kinds of sources - all this, and they were still allowed a tea break!
Teachers' Pack
The teacher was provided with a resource pack which included a handout of the PowerPoint presentation (that was used as a back-drop for the session) and copies of all the source material.
Feedback
The feedback from the school reported that the students were 'overwhelmingly positive' about the session.
The teacher who organised the session said:
It was thoroughly enjoyable and memorable, preparing the pupils for revision with a review of Henry VII reign. The movement due to the active learning allowed the pupils to think about the issues for themselves. I will definitely be asking you to come back!
