1215 and Magna Carta
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the key contents of Magna Carta.
Key learning points
- John’s disagreement with the Church angered the barons.
- The barons rose up against John, led by Robert Fitzwalter.
- John was forced to accept the barons’ demands set out in Magna Carta.
- The 63 clauses of the Magna Carta included one which many consider the start of basic human rights.
- Magna Carta included a radical clause which suggested power lay not with the king, but with the barons.
Keywords
Radical - radical is believing or expressing extreme change
Seal - a seal is a wax mould attached to written documents to prove it is from a specific person
Magna Carta - Magna Carta was a document that limited the power of the king and granted certain freedoms to some English people
Clause - a clause is a particular part of a written legal document
Rule of law - the rule of law is a set of laws that everyone, including the king, must obey
Common misconception
King John signed the Magna Carta.
A modern misconception is that King John signed Magna Carta, this is untrue, royal documents were not signed but sealed.
Teacher tip
Create a diagram of the feudal pyramid and place Magna Carta at the top. This is a great way to illustrate the document's power and the concept of the rule of law.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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.Choose two correct examples of John demonstrating his untrustworthiness and greed?
Q2.Which two unpopular taxes caused anger amongst the barons? Select two correct answers.
Q3.Why was King John known as 'Softsword'?
Q4.What rumours began shortly after Arthur of Brittany's capture?
Q5.What ancestral homeland did John lose?
Q6.Match the key words with the correct definitions.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What was an important factor that led to the barons' anger towards King John between 1205-1213?
Q2.Write the missing word. King John met the rebellious barons at and agreed to the demands of Magna Carta.
Q3.What was the core requirement of the Magna Carta regarding the powers of the king?
Q4.What is the 'rule of law' as mentioned in the context of Magna Carta?
Q5.Which of the following best describes the term 'radical' as used in the context of the Magna Carta?
Q6.Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into time order.
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: 1215 and Magna Carta, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: 1215 and Magna Carta, 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 Magna Carta: how did Magna Carta survive? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.