Key Stage 1 Beyond Living Memory: Commemorating History
Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes

Read about Guy Fawkes, think about his life and tell the story of the Gunpowder Plot. Make your own Guy Fawkes. Role-play the Gunpowder Plot. Make artworks inspired by Bonfire night and learn about fire safety.

Session 1 Who was Guy Fawkes?

Objectives

History

  • Develop an awareness of the past, through finding out about changes within living memory.
  • Develop an awareness of the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements.

English

  • Give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings.
  • Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates.

Lesson Planning

If possible start this block with a visit from the fire brigade to link the children’s learning with fire safety. Children will ask and answer questions about Guy Fawkes and his connection with bonfire night. 

Teaching Outcomes
To learn about the significance of Guy Fawkes & the Gunpowder Plot.
To find answers to questions about Guy Fawkes.

Children will:

  • Learn about the Gunpowder plot.
  • Understand Guy Fawkes’ role in the Gunpowder Plot.
  • Find answers to their questions about Guy Fawkes.

You Will Need

  • Visit from the Fire Brigade – you will have to arrange this in advance through local Fire Brigade
  • Fire fighter role-play clothes, helmets and equipment
  • Small world fire engine and Lego bricks

Session 2 Remember Remember the 5th of November

Objectives

History

  • Develop an awareness of the past, through finding out about changes within living memory.
  • Develop an awareness of the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements.

English

  • Give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings.
  • Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates.

Lesson Planning

Find out more about the details and chronology of the gunpowder plot. Children will use their learning to inform their drama work.

Teaching Outcomes
To learn about events in the Gunpowder Plot.
To dramatise an event from the Gunpowder Plot.

Children will:

  • Develop a detailed understanding of the events in the Gunpowder Plot.
  • Act out a specific event in the Gunpowder Plot.

Provided Resources

This session does not need any provided resources.

You Will Need

  • Props for drama exercise: a candle, cloaks and hats

Session 3 Bonfire Night

Objectives

History

  • Develop an awareness of the past, through finding out about changes within living memory.
  • Develop an awareness of the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements.

English

  • Give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings.
  • Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates.

Lesson Planning

Find out more about the details and chronology of the gunpowder plot. Children will use their learning to inform their drama work.

Teaching Outcomes
To understand the significance of Bonfire night & the Gunpowder Plot.
To describe and discuss their experiences of Bonfire night.

Children will:

  • Understand why we celebrate Bonfire night.
  • Reflect upon the Gunpowder Plot.
  • Describe their experiences of Bonfire night.

Provided Resources

This session does not need any provided resources.

You Will Need

You do not need any particular resources for this session.