CASTLE

PROGRAMME 3: EDWARD I AND HIS WELSH CASTLES

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

This programme will be really useful in teaching Key Stage 3 students about the Norman conquest in Wales and about the significance of castles in medieval times. The programme is fast-paced, with a lively presenter who relates information back to modern-day examples and context. Most students would be able to watch the whole programme although different sections could be used if 50 minutes is too long for some groups. Although part of a series, it can also be effectively used as a 'stand alone' programme

General activities

Alongside the programme students could:

• Use the internet to investigate the period further
• Use the virtual tours on the Channel 4 Castle website
• Use maps to locate the main castles in North Wales and to investigate why they were in such good locations
• Draw plans, diagrams or pictures to show castle layouts
• Plan a visit to one of the castles
• Research modern-day jobs that are connected to the history of castles.

Programme-related activities

• The following tasks can be undertaken individually or in pairs
• Usually one copy of each worksheet is needed per student
• Encourage whole-class discussion and feedback after each activity.

Task 1: The conflict between Edward I and Llewellyn ap Gruffudd
Students need to focus on section 04.27 – 14.24.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 48KB]

Task 2: Where did Edward build his Welsh castles?
Students need to look at the map in the programme at approximately 12.25 minutes.

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Task 3: How the castles were built
Students need to focus on section 21.36 – 24.45.

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Task 4: The structure of Edward's castles
Students need to focus on section 33.36 – 38.14.

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Task 5: The strength of Edward's castles
Students need to watch the whole programme.

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Task 6: Surviving an attack on a castle
Students need to focus on section 38.15 – 43.51.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 48KB]