Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was executed.
Key learning points
- Religious differences between the Catholic Mary and Presbytarian Scotland led to Mary having to flee the country.
- Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic, was seen by many as the rightful heir to Elizabeth's throne.
- There were a number of plots to execute Elizabeth and replace her with Mary.
- Mary had been imprisoned from when she arrived in England.
- Mary was executed in 1587 for her role in the Babington Plot.
Keywords
Presbyterian - a Presbyterian is a type of Protestant who believes the Church should be governed by a group of Elders rather than bishops
Figurehead - a figurehead is a person who is in the position of leader but has no real power, or a person in whose name a movement is organised
Plot - a plot is a secret plan to do something illegal or wrong
Spymaster - a spymaster is the head of an organisation of spies
Execution - an execution is the act of carrying out a sentence of death as a form of punishment
Common misconception
Mary, Queen of Scots and 'Bloody Mary' were the same person.
The two Marys were cousins, not the same person. Mary was a very common name at this time.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to use specific examples in their balanced answer rather than general points.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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.What was the main form of Christianity in Europe before the Reformation?
Q2.Match the Tudor monarchs before Elizabeth to their religious beliefs.
Q3.Write the word to fill the gap: Elizabeth's religious settlement was known as the Middle .....
Q4.Why was Elizabeth unhappy with the Puritans?
Q5.In what year did Pope Pius V excommunicate Elizabeth?
Q6.What does 'excommunicate' mean?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Other than Scotland, what country was Mary, Queen of Scots the queen of for a short time?
Q2.Why did Mary, Queen of Scots also have a claim to the English throne?
Q3.What problem did Mary face when she returned to Scotland from France?
Q4.In which order did Mary marry her three husbands? (note: the previous one had died before she married the next one)
Q5.How did Elizabeth choose to deal with Mary, Queen of Scots when she came to England?
Q6.What was the name of Elizabeth's spymaster who uncovered proof that Mary, Queen of Scots was plotting against Elizabeth?
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, 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 Elizabeth I: why has Elizabeth been represented so differently? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.