History assessment

Henry VIII: great monarch or a tyrant?

History: knowledge and understanding levels• Level 4: describe how Henry treated his wives, servants and

other subjects. • Level 5: describe in detail how Henry treated his wives, servants

and other subjects. Start to explain Henry’s motives and how he did his duty as a king.

• Level 6: describe in detail how Henry treated his wives, servants and other subjects. Explain Henry’s motives and how he did his duty as a king. Explain how and why Henry’s behaviour changed during his reign.

• Level 7: describe in detail how Henry treated his wives, servants and other subjects. Explain Henry’s motives and how he did his duty as a king. Explain how and why Henry’s behaviour changed during his reign. Show understanding that Henry was a complex character and that his reign was judged differently at the time than it might be today.

Writing frame Aspect of his life Content

Introduction • Simple facts about Henry, some key dates

• Some detail about his family• His appearance• What we know about him from

other sources e.g. paintings, letters etc.

• Introduce the essay discussion: he is a controversial king; people disagree about whether he was a good monarch or a tyrant.

In groups: what content should we include?

Aspect of his life Content

Introduction

The Renaissance Prince

Treatment of his wives

Treatment of his loyal servants

Religious upheaval

Creating a strong kingdom

Review of his life

Aspect of his life Content

The Renaissance Prince Sports, music, languages, as a young man, changes in him over the years.

Treatment of his wives Married them because….their relationship was….his behaviour was….the marriage ended because…

Treatment of his loyal servants Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, Thomas MoreTheir job? Henry liked them because? Got rid of them because?

Religious upheaval Fell out with the Pope because…his role as supreme head of the church…dissolution of the monasteries…Cromwell…Pilgrimage of Grace…Robert Aske.

Creating a strong kingdom Henry’s duty was: heirs? Law and order? Treasury? War? Foreign diplomacy skills? Evaluate whether he did his duty or not.

Review of his life Conclude and decide.

Teacher notes/ideas from writing frame.

Example writing: was Henry VIII a great monarch or a tyrant?How can this be improved?

There is no doubt that Henry was dedicated to ensuring England’s kingdom was strong. He needed to fill the treasury, as he was a big spender. He also married well in order to keep money in the treasury. Henry saw his duty as making sure that England was safe and rich. This proves that he was a good monarch at times, and he really cared for his country.