GCSE History Edexcel: Henry VIII - The Rise of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (Lesson 3)

This lesson can be specifically used for Edexcel GCSE History (1-9) British Depth Study – Henry VIII & his Ministers OR it can be easily adapted to teach students all about Cardinal Thomas Wolsey’s rise to power. The lesson is suited for or could easily be adapted for students aged 12-16

This lesson examines the following questions relating to Wolsey:
Who was Thomas Wolsey and what was his background?
What main events led to his rise to power in Henry VIII’s government?
Why did Thomas Wolsey gain so much power at the start of Henry VIII’s reign?

This is a fully resourced lesson which includes a printable fact sheet based on the GCSE Edexcel specification as well as worksheets, discussion tasks, engaging background information, warm up tasks and learning reviews.

The downloaded lesson includes the following:
1x A4 blank timeline to outline the main events in Wolsey’s rise to power
1x A4 worksheet to help students categorise the main reasons for Wolsey’s rise to power.

1x main Power Point:
Slide 1: Title slide – Henry VIII & Wolsey – Why did Wolsey Rise to Power?
Slide 2: Main Lesson Aims
Slide 3-4: Previous learning Recap activities
Slide 5: As You Enter Warm Up – What kind of person would make a suitable advisor to Henry VIII?
Slide 6-7: Starter – Analysis of historical interpretations about Wolsey. Also includes a printable worksheet for students to complete.
Slide 8: Task 1 – Thomas Wolsey Timeline instructions
Slide 9-12: Task 2 – Key Term Activities with printable worksheet
Slide 13: Task 3 – Explaining Wolsey’s rise to power (linked to additional A4 worksheet
Slide 14: Follow Up Challenge Questions
Side 15: Example Exam Questions
Slide 16-17: Learning Review Quiz – With answers revealed
Slide 18: Lesson Fact Sheet – Based on the GCSE Edexcel Specification

I would be really grateful if you could leave a review for the lesson if you feel the lesson is effective for you. Many thanks if you spend some of your valuable time doing this as feedback is highly valued.

All images used in this lesson are in the public domain and are therefore copyright free at the time of publishing. Images which require attribution have been attributed in the notes section of each slide where the image appears. If you feel any errors have been made, please contact me at raschoolresources@gmail.com in the first instance to resolve any issues. My lessons are completed using PowerPoint and designed on widescreen formatting. Thank you.