Evidence based activities
This section of the website contains ideas for use with pupils. All the activities are based on the use of both primary and secondary historical evidence, and include maps, photos, objects, documents, archaeological records, illustrations, interpretations and reconstructions.
Curriculum relevance
There are five activities altogether, two related to the Saxon period and three to the medieval Abbey. The main curriculum content links are with History at Key Stage 2 (Saxons) and Key Stage 3 (Middle Ages), and with Local History studies from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4. The activities have been designed to develop the full range of historical skills identified in the National Curriculum – Chronological understanding, Historical interpretation, Historical enquiry and Organisation and communication. The activities complement other areas of the curriculum, especially Art, English and ICT. Furthermore, there are opportunities for debate and discussion about interpretations of past events and the possible manipulation of history for political ends which fit in the Citizenship curriculum.
Using the activities
The activities are intended as guide sheets for teachers and more literate pupils. They can be downloaded as Word files. Small images of the evidence are included in the activity sheets. Larger images can be downloaded and studied in detail.
Copyright
All worksheet are free for non-commercial use only. For further details contact user@shaftesburyabbey.fsnet.co.uk or Tel: 01747 852910.
Schools Visits
Colin Roberts - 01747 854722
Claire Ryley - 01747 852822 or ryley165@btinternet.com
Shaftesbury Abbey and Gold Hill Museums
Tel: 01747 852910
Acknowledgements
Activities researched and written by Robin Clutterbuck, White Rook Projects (01626 333144). The main historical sources are credited in the activity sheets, but the essential reading is John Chandler’s ‘A Higher Reality’ – The History of Shaftesbury’s Royal Nunnery’, published 2003, The Hobnob Press, ISBN 0-946418-14-4
Images
A number of images are referred to in the activities and can be downloaded directly from this list below. |
Actity Packs
Saxons at Shaftesbury
Main target – Key Stage 2. A simple art-based activity using two Saxon artefacts – a coin from Alfred the Great’s reign and a fragment of a Saxon stone cross discovered at the Abbey – and offers opportunities for observational drawing and creative responses.
Download PDF Ffile
What did Shaftesbury Abbey look like in the Middle Ages?
Main target – Key Stage 3. The activity explores 15 different items of evidence, leading pupils to recognise that a range of evidence must be used to understand historical events more widely, and that reconstructions and interpretations are not necessarily correct, but represent the views of the author. The activities may also be used with Key Stage 4 students.
Download PDF File
Floor tiles at Shaftesbury Abbey
Main target – Key Stage 3. This activity is based on historical evidence but has strong links to the Art and ICT curriculum. It is also suitable as a homework or extension activity. For further information on floor tiles click here. [link to Tiles information.doc]
Download PDF File
What were the nuns like in Shaftesbury Abbey in the Middle Ages?
Main target – Key Stage 3. This activity is set up as a historical exercise, and introduces the use of references and footnotes. A selection of nuns recorded in documents from the Saxon and Medieval periods are briefly described and the main activity is for pupils to develop a broader picture of the range of nuns – mainly royal and high-born – who lived at Shaftesbury between 888 and 1539. The task is to assess the nature of the Abbey from the descriptions of the nuns.
Download PDF File
Edward the Martyr
Main target – Key Stage 4. The sheet explores the story behind King Edward – how he was murdered, then recognised as a martyr and venerated as the patron saint of the Abbey. The motives for the murder and the political reasons for his canonisation – and his veneration to this day as a saint – form a fascinating historical mystery. The activity is aimed at older students but Key Stage 2 teachers may be able to use the evidence for class discussions in their Saxons work. As an evidence case study it could be adapted for use by any age group.
Download PDF File |
