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Education session

Enquiring into Elizabeth

This workshop, available online and at The National Archives, looks at what we can we learn about Elizabeth I’s ruling style from her letters and speeches.

Age ranges
Key stage 3 (Ages 11–14)
Key stage 4 (Ages 14–16)
Key stage 5 (Ages 16–18)
Date
All year
Locations
Online, At The National Archives
About this image

Coram Rege Rolls initial detail, Elizabeth I, Easter 1589. Catalogue reference: KB 27/1309/2

About this session

Time period

  • Early modern (1485–1750)

Themes

  • Power, politics and reform
  • Significant people, places and events
  • Women's history

What to expect in the workshop at The National Archives

Students explore Elizabeth’s letters and speeches to learn about her ruling style. Pupils decipher Tudor handwriting and investigate what these fascinating documents reveal about her governance. This session develops evidential understanding and gives students an insight into being a Tudor historian. It also showcases some of the beautiful images of Elizabeth.

The two-hour workshop is led by an experienced history educator in an inspiring learning space at The National Archives in Kew. Students will handle a range of original Tudor documents.

What to expect in the online workshop

In the online workshop in your classroom students will investigate Elizabeth’s ruling style using her letters and speeches. This session develops skills in evidential understanding and the work of Tudor historians.

The one-hour online session in your classroom is led by an experienced history educator, you only need a microphone, large screen and webcam to take part. Interactive activities encourage students to discuss their ideas and work in groups using high-quality materials provided in advance by the Education team.

Note: we will adapt the timing of the workshop to fit with your lesson times.

Contact us

If you need any help with your booking, please get in touch.

Telephone
020 3908 9162
Email
educationbookings@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Connections to the curriculum

This workshop is suitable for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students. Material used in the workshop is adapted to suit the age of your students.

GCSE

  • OCR History A, Component 2: Power: Monarchy and Democracy in Britain c1000 to 2014
  • OCR History B, Schools History Project: Component Group 1, British Depth Study: The Elizabethans, 1580-1603
  • AQA History, Paper 2 Section B: British Depth Study: Elizabethan England, c1568-1603
  • Edexcel History, Paper 2: British Depth Study: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88

A-Level

  • AQA: GCE History, Unit 1C: The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
  • OCR: GCE History A, Unit Y107, British Period Study: England 1547-1603: the Later Tudors
  • Edexcel: GCE History, Unit 31, Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603

Key details

Locations
  • Online
  • At The National Archives
Date
All year
Price
Free
Duration
  • Online: 1 hour
  • At The National Archives: 2 hours
Age ranges
Key stage 3 (Ages 11–14)
Key stage 4 (Ages 14–16)
Key stage 5 (Ages 16–18)

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