About this unit

This unit centres on Queen Boudicca.

While factual knowledge about her life and the Roman occupation are an essential component of the unit, the main focus is on contrasting interpretations of Boudicca over time and exploration of the reasons behind her shifting reputation.

This unit was originally taught over the space of two mornings of normal school days but could also be taught across a sequence of lessons.

There is scope to adjust some of the teaching activities to take account of time constraints in different schools.

 

 

Expectations

By the end of this unit:

Most pupils will have: analysed a film interpretation of Boudicca, clearly identifying its view of her by reference to some examples in a structured piece of writing; organised pictorial interpretations of Boudicca under given headings, justifying their choices by reference to some details observed from the images; analysed the reliability of two Roman sources, taking into account their purpose and audience; evaluated the significance of Boudicca's revolt in the context of the roman occupation; established the shifts in Boudicca's reputation over time; selected, organised and deployed information to produce a structured account in answer to the question "Was Boudicca Britain's first hero?"

Some pupils will not have made such progress and will have: commented on a film interpretation of Boudicca, attempting to identify its view of her in general terms in a piece of writing; organised pictorial interpretations of Boudicca under given headings, justifying their choices in general terms; commented on two roman sources; decided on the significance of Boudicca's revolt but in very simple terms; organised a pattern of pictorial and written interpretations of Boudicca in chronological sequence; produced some writing in answer to the question "Was Boudicca Britain's first hero?"

Some pupils will have progressed further and will have: analysed a film interpretation of Boudicca, clearly identifying its view of her by reference to many examples and nuances in a structured piece of writing; organised pictorial interpretations of Boudicca under given headings, justifying their choices fluently by reference to many specific details observed from the images; analysed the reliability of two Roman sources in some depth, taking into account their purpose and audience; evaluated the significance of Boudicca's revolt in the context of the roman occupation with some subtlety; established and fluently justified the shifts in Boudicca's reputation over time; selected, organised and deployed information skilfully to produce a structured account in answer to the question "Was Boudicca Britain's first hero?"

Prior Learning

It is helpful if pupils:

• Have studied the Roman occupation and way of life before completing this unit.
• Are familiar with the idea that interpretations of historical figures can vary, depending on their purpose and audience e.g. views of Henry VIII etc.