Should we call Grace O'Malley a pirate?

This unit encourages pupils to explore the past by examining their ideas about pirates, with particular reference to Grace O’Malley. The key question leads children to consider what are the characteristics of a pirate and to challenge stereotypes in the light of historical enquiry. The key question also leads to an understanding of the complexities of the life and values of a significant woman living in the 16th /17th century. 

This enquiry is structured around the following questions:

1. What is a pirate?
2. What were the main events of Grace O’Malley’s life?
3. What happened when Grace met Elizabeth I?
4. What was it like to live at the time when Grace met Elizabeth I?
5. Should we call Grace O’Malley a pirate?

This scheme of work was written by Paul Bracey, Helen Crawford and Alison Gove-Humphries, with thanks to Professor Patrick Buckland, chair of 'Ireland in Schools’ for his support in developing this resource.

Please note: The majority of the HA schemes of work were produced between 2014-2019 by members of the HA primary committee and its affiliates. This unit is a resourced scheme of work; however, the resources it refers to may in some cases only be available to full members of the HA. These schemes of work are designed to support your planning and should be moulded and adapted to fit the context and needs of your own school. To view a free sample scheme of work, please refer to our Anglo-Saxons unit. We regularly check the hyperlinks included in the schemes but unfortunately every now and again some links may go out of date. If you spot a broken link, please let us know on enquiries@history.org.uk.