Introduction
Somme Starts is a lesson that has been designed to introduce all pupils to the battle of the Somme and WW1 regardless of their historical knowledge. For some this might overlap what is being taught in other subjects, but for others it may not. The main purpose of this lesson is for all pupils to gain context about the battle, why it was a key moment in WW1 and why a film was made about it, rather than a complete understanding of WW1.
Duration
1 –2 hours
Learning Objectives
- To have a basic knowledge of WW1, how it began, some key events
- To understand the historical significance of the battle of the Somme
- To understand why a film was made about it and how important the film has become
Lesson Outcome
- To prepare a newspaper article about the battle of the Somme demonstrating an understanding of the learning objectives outlines above.
Equipment needed
- Whiteboard and pens
- Sounding the Somme Website
- Computers/tablets with PowerPoint (or similar) on them
- Sounding the Somme Newspaper Article Template (PowerPoint document)
- Other desktop publishing software (optional)
Tips!
- This lesson should be completed before other Sounding the Somme projects are undertaken.
- Music staff could link to the history department for the delivery of this lesson.
- If time in the classroom is really short, this lesson could be given as a homework assignment.
- If you know that all of your pupils have studied WW1 in detail this lesson could be skipped all together.