YEAR 8

UNIT TOPIC:
CORE THEMES:

HISTORY

WEEK 1

LESSON 3

The Spanish Conquest of the Americas (c.1492 c.1572)

WHAT MAKES THIS A GREAT TOPIC?

Exploration
Colonisation
Slavery
Disease
Clash of Cultures

Demonstrates South Americas

first contact with Europe
Demonstrates the devastation of
disease on indigenous population
Vastly different society from
anything in Europe

COURSE LENGTH:
TIMES:
CLASS CONTEXT:
ADDITIONAL
NOTES:

4 Weeks
4 Lessons x 50 Minutes per week
Year 8 Class of Mixed Abilities 26 x Students

LESSON TOPIC:
AIM:

Introduction to Hernan Cortes

Students will gain an understanding of the motivations of
Hernan Cortes and his interactions with the Aztecs.

PROGRAMME LEARNING GOALS:

Pre-Columbian life in the Americas, including social organisation, city life and
beliefs. (ACDSEH016)
When, how and why the Spanish arrived in the Americas, and where
they went, including the various societies and geographical features
they encountered (ACDSEH073)
The nature of the interaction between the Spanish and the indigenous
populations, with a particular focus on either the Aztecs OR Incas
(ACDSEH074)
The impact of the conquest on the Aztecs OR Incas as well as on the wider
world, such as the introduction of new diseases, horses and gunpowder in the
Americas, and new foods and increased wealth in Europe (ACDSEH075)
The longer-term effects of colonisation, including slavery, population changes
and lack of control over resources (ACDSEH076)

ACHEIVEMENT STANDARDS:
1. AS 2 Explain the cause and effect of events and developments.
2. AS 3 Identify the motives and actions of people at the time.
3. AS 4 Explain the significance of individuals and groups and how they were
influenced by the beliefs and values of their society.
4. AS 5 Describe different interpretations of the past.
5. AS 6 - Sequence events and developments within a chronological framework
with reference to periods of time
6. AS 11 develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations, incorporating
analysis.

7. AS 12 In developing these texts, and organising and presenting their findings,

they use historical terms and concepts, evidence identify in sources, and
acknowledge their sources of information.

TIME:

ACTIVITY:

STUDENTS:

RATIONALE:

5 Mins

I take the roll and

give an outline of the
lesson

Preparation: Books
open, pens out.

I give an outline of the

lesson ahead to students
know what we have to
cover.

25 Mins

We start to watch the

BBC Documentary
Heroes and Villains:
Hernan Cortes

Students to note
important
information in
workbook.

Hernan Cortes is a key

individual to the conquest of
South America.
Understanding his
motivations and personality
is fundamental to
developing skills as a
historian.

20 Mins

Reading through
Cortes information
sheets

Reading along with

me. I sometimes
ask students to
read sections.

I try to encourage a vocal

and involved class.

5 Mins

I recap what we have

learnt highlighting
some key points.

I ask if there are

any questions and
fill in any remaining
gaps.

To ensure comprehension
and to be prepared for the
next lesson.

HOMEWORK:
Answering questions from the Cortes Information sheets

MATERIALS
NEEDED:

Copies of Cortes Information sheets x 30

BBC Documentary Heroes and Villains: Hernan Cortes
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x157b8r_bbcwarriors-hernan-cortes-hq-4-6_lifestyle

Backup plan Cortes Work sheets x 30

BACKUP:
Continue watching BBC Documentary Heroes and Villains: Hernan Cortes

Cortes Questionnaire Can be paired with the Cortes Handout. Students work
individually on the worksheet.