Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: History
Lesson Topic: Demonstrate an understanding of the past through explanation, analysis and arriving at substantiated judgements of key concepts such as causation, consequence, continuity, change and significance within an historical context
Learning Objective/s:
  • Explain the causes and consequences of a historical event using AO2 terminology.
  • Analyse primary and secondary evidence for reliability, perspective and significance.
  • Evaluate continuity and change within a given period.
  • Formulate a substantiated judgement that weighs differing interpretations.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Printed handouts of French Revolution primary sources (e.g., fiscal data, pamphlet excerpt)
  • AO2 checklist worksheet
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Timeline cards for group activity
Introduction:

Begin with a quick brainstorm: “What makes an event historically significant?” Connect students’ ideas to prior knowledge of 18th‑century Europe and the French Revolution. Explain that today they will master AO2 skills – explanation, analysis, evaluation and judgement – and will be assessed on using these concepts clearly.

Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write three examples of “significant” events and why.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Introduce AO2 concepts (causation, consequence, continuity, change, significance) with brief examples.
  3. Source analysis activity (15’) – In groups, examine the fiscal‑deficit data and pamphlet excerpt; answer guided analysis questions.
  4. Guided practice (10’) – Teacher models the step‑by‑step AO2 framework using the French Revolution case.
  5. Independent writing task (15’) – Students produce a short AO2‑style paragraph answering a prompt, incorporating explanation, analysis, evaluation and a clear judgement.
  6. Peer feedback (5’) – Pairs exchange work and use the AO2 checklist to give constructive comments.
Conclusion:

Recap the four AO2 steps and highlight how each was applied today. For the exit ticket, ask each student to write one concise judgement about the French Revolution supported by a piece of evidence. Homework: complete a full AO2 essay on another historical event, using the same framework.