Scottish resistance to Edward I’s rule
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why Edward I's attempts to conquer Scotland ended in failure.
Key learning points
- William Wallace and the Scottish resistance had several victories against the English.
- Scottish resistance helped to develop a common Scottish identity.
- Edward I died in 1307 and Robert the Bruce continued the Scottish resistance.
- Stirling Bridge was important because it was the first bridge across the River Forth.
- The Battle of Stirling Bridge was an important victory because it boosted Scottish resistance against English rule.
Keywords
Guerilla - a guerilla or ‘small war’ group is a small military force which make unexpected attacks on a larger army
Outlaw - an outlaw is a person who has broken the law and who lives separately from the other parts of society because they want to escape punishment
Schiltrom - a schiltrom is a military tactic which involved using long spears to protect soldiers from cavalry charges
Causeway - a causeway is a raised path, especially across a wet area
Chainmail - chainmail is a material made of small metal rings that have been joined together to make protective armour
Common misconception
Students may assume that the English army only comprised English soldiers.
The English forces also included Welsh and even some Scottish soldiers. This reflects the complex political and military alliances of the time.
Teacher tip
Simulate the Battle of Stirling Bridge with a strategic board game designed by students. Divide the class into Scottish and English teams, each with different resources and challenges. This will help them understand the battle's dynamics and why it was a significant Scottish victory.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why did Edward believe he could unite England and Scotland?
Q2.How did Edward respond to the Scottish rebellion in 1296?
Q3.Match the following keywords with their definition.
being loyal to a lord or monarch
to attack and destroy a settlement
a formal promise to be loyal to a monarch
Q4.Fill in the blank with the correct missing word: The Scots began an alliance with , known as the ‘Auld Alliance’, and invaded northern England.
Q5.What was a direct result of Edward's rule over Scotland?
Q6.What did Edward do to symbolize his dominance over Scotland?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which Scottish knight helped lead the Scottish resistance to several victories against the English?
Q2.What event prevented Edward I from launching another invasion of Scotland in 1307?
Q3.Which word describes a military tactic involving long spears to protect soldiers from cavalry charges?
Q4.Starting with the earliest, place these events in time order.
Q5.Which of the following best describes the make-up of the English army in battles against the Scottish resistance?
Q6.The Battle of was a crucial victory for William Wallace and boosted Scottish resistance.
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: Scottish resistance to Edward I’s rule, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: Scottish resistance to Edward I’s rule, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Edward I: What stopped Edward uniting all of Britain? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.