This resource contains two activities which can be used by practitioners:

1. Coronation Day (2^nd level)
   Resources are provided to help learners find out about the coronation.
2. The role of the British royal family (3^rd level)

Resources are provided to help learners research the royal family and the role they play in Britain. There is also the opportunity to research a royal family in another country.

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PDF file: Coronation learning resource (174 KB)

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The Coronation – why did we get an extra day off school?

The 6th of May is the Coronation of King Charles the Third. There is a bank holiday of the 8th of May when we all have an extra day off school.

This resource looks at the history of Kings and Queens in Britain and the events of the Coronation.

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch shares power with a constitutionally organised government. The reigning monarch is the country’s head of state.

Experiences and Outcomes

I can use primary and secondary sources selectively to research events in the past - SOC 2-01a

I can use my knowledge of a historical period to interpret the evidence and present an informed view - SOC 3-01a

Having selected a significant individual from the past, I can contribute to a discussion on the influence of their actions, then and since - SOC 1-06a

I can discuss why people and events from a particular time in the past were important, placing them within a historical sequence - SOC 2-06a

Activity One – Second Level learners - Coronation Day

Es and Os

I can use primary and secondary sources selectively to research events in the past. SOC 2-01a

Learning intentions

• To find out about the events on the day of the coronation

Success Criteria

• To be able to describe the events of the coronation.

Suggested activity

Use the information on the websites in the resources section above to answer the following questions.

1. When will the coronation take place?
2. Where will the coronation take place?
3. The Sword of State will be carried at the coronation, why will the King carry it?
4. Which other swords will be carried during the coronation, and what does each signify?
5. How many guests are expected at the coronation.
6. How will the King travel to his coronation?
7. What crown will the King receive at his coronation? Provide three facts about the Crown.
8. The King will swap his crown for another one after he has been crowned – why?
9. Why does the coronation take place?
10. Find out basic facts about the new King. For example, where and when he was born?

Activity two – Third Level learners - What is the role of the British Royal family?

Es and Os

I can use my knowledge of a historical period to interpret the evidence and present an informed view. SOC 3-01a

Learning intentions

• To find out about the history of the royal family in Great Britain.

Success Criteria

• Find out basic facts about the royal family.
• Know the duties that the royal family carry out.

In both Scotland and England monarchies developed after the Roman Empire withdrew from Britain early in the 5th century. The first monarch to rule over Scotland and England was James 1st, who was the James 6th of Scotland. He was king of Scotland from 1567 and became king of England in 1603. The role of the royal family has changed a great deal since this time. This activity considers what their role is in modern Britain.

The King is the UK head of state. However, his powers are symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically-neutral.

He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, including briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature. The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, to keep him informed on government matters. These meetings are completely private and there is no official record of what is said.

Suggested activity

Have a look at this website: UK Royal Family: Who is in it and what does the King do? - BBC News

1. Learners could use the websites in this resource to research the life of the King. They could create a timeline of his life, including significant events.
2. Learners could choose one of the significant events in their timeline and research in more depth. They could create a fact file of this event.
3. Learners could research what a monarchy is, and how it works. The King is the monarch of the UK, learners could find out what the official duties the King performs in that role, and present them in a power point, news report or a similar way.
4. Learners could choose another member of the royal family and research their role.
5. Learners could research another country which has a royal family. They could include the history and role of that royal family and compare it with the royal family in the UK.