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GCSE Module: Elizabethan England 1558-1603

Unit: Elizabethan exploration, the war with Spain and the Armada

Year group: 11

When taught: February to March

AQA syllabus link: Click here

What are we learning?

  • Problem 6 – foreign affairs: Why was there an explosion in exploration during the Elizabethan Era?
  • Who were the Elizabethan Sea Dogs?
  • How did naval warfare change in the 16th century?
  • Why did England and Spain go to war in 1588?
  • What happened during the Spanish Armada?
  • Why were the English victorious in 1588?
  • Every year students have to complete a historical site study in order to complete a 16 mark factors question (mini essay) in their exam. Each year this changes. 2025 will be The Globe Theatre and 2026 will be The Armada. Additional lessons on these topics will be integrated into the taught syllabus at an appropriate point.

How will we be assessed on this topic?

  • The end of topic assessment will include a knowledge test (including some multiple choice questions, some non multiple-choice questions, a chronology task and a key word task).
  • A one hour assessment paper conducted in timed conditions covering all the different question types on the GCSE paper.

What makes a strong piece of work in this topic?  What are teachers hoping to see?  

  • A sound and good chronological understanding of key events;
  • Use of specific factual evidence relevant to the question asked;
  • A wide range of appropriate key terms used in written responses;
  • Developed explanation: use of the BLT framework;
  • ‘Complex thinking’/ evaluation in answers – thinking about short term/ long term/ people/ place/ extent etc.
  • The ability to analyse interpretations using your own historical understanding.
  • Real depth of understanding about the historical environment site study.
  • Strong linkages in conclusions and between paragraphs.

What key words are there in this topic?

Quizlet, click here

What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?

  • Learn more about the Tudors and the Elizabethans by using the school’s Historical Association account where you will find lots of information/ podcasts about the topic. Ask Mrs Wahlen for the username and password;
  • Listen to some podcasts. There are some excellent pods on The Rest is History: click here
  • Or Not Just the Tudors: Click here
  • Watch some relevant films and documentaries about Elizabethan England or the Tudors (remember A LOT of the films are not historically accurate – but fun nonetheless!)
    • Elizabeth
    • Elizabeth -the Golden Age
    • Shakespeare in Love
    • The Other Boleyn Girl
    • Mary Queen of Scots (historically dreadful!)
    • Wolf Hall : BBC series
    • A History of Britain by Simon Sharma episode 7: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8gtyj6

Read some historical fiction or non-fiction – see the ideas below!

What wider reading can be done on this topic?

There is a whole range of historical fiction on Tudor and Elizabethan England Below are a few ideas – some are available from the library:

  • Dissolution: The Shardlake Series by CJ Sansom
  • The Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hilary Mantel: click here

Recommended non-fiction:

Supporting document/links:

  • Students will be given a knowledge organiser at the end of the topic to revise for the end of topic assessment.
  • GCSE pod