Year 6 - English
Understanding the historical context of the Scottish witch trials
'A Kind of Spark': narrative writing
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils write a build-up and climax based on the text, 'A Kind of Spark'. They learn to switch tense to highlight a jump in perspective from narrative prose to an internal monologue and from present to past tense to indicate a flashback. These outcomes can be used for KS2 SATS writing.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the events of the Scottish witch trials and share your opinion about how best to remember the victims in the present day.
Key Notes
- The Scottish witch trials occurred during the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries in Scotland.
- Individuals who were prosecuted as witches were often executed.
- Witches were recognised by the church as being capable of causing real harm.
- Witches were seen as linked to the devil and were therefore also heretical.
- Life at this time was very much dominated by the church and the desire to stamp out any connections to the devil.
Vocabulary To Learn
- memorial: a structure or statue designed to remind people of a person or event
- trial: an examination of evidence to decide if someone is guilty or innocent of a crime
- Early Modern period: the period between Medieval and modern times (around 1500-1800 AD)
- devil: the spirit of evil in Christian and Jewish traditions
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils who are Christian may find it hard to connect their faith to the one depicted here.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
The Scottish witch trials occurred during the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries in Scotland. Individuals who were prosecuted as witches were often executed.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'memorial'
a structure or statue designed to remind people of a person or event.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils who are Christian may find it hard to connect their faith to the one depicted here. Correction: Explain to children that religions evolve over time and that beliefs are not always fixed.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Adopting different perspectives Study Guide
- Exploring a historical scenario linked to 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
- Exploring Addie's character Study Guide
- Exploring Addie's speech in the climax of 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
- Planning the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark' including switches in perspective Study Guide
- Planning the climax of 'A Kind of Spark' including flashbacks Study Guide
- Self-editing the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
- Self-editing the climax of 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
- Using drama to explore a character 'low' Study Guide
- Writing the final sections of the climax, including a flashback Study Guide
- Writing the first half of the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
- Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
- Writing the next two sections of the climax, including a flashback Study Guide
- Writing the second half of the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark' Study Guide
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