The Changing Role of Women

Explore the Changing Role of Women in KS2 History

How have women's lives changed throughout history, and what did it take to achieve the rights and opportunities many women enjoy today? This thought-provoking Changing Role of Women KS2 History scheme of work takes Year 5 and Year 6 children on a fascinating journey through the history of women's rights, from ancient civilisations to the present day.

Across seven engaging lessons, children investigate the changing roles and expectations of women throughout history, exploring the restrictions women faced in different societies and the individuals and movements that challenged inequality. From the strict rules governing women's lives in Victorian Britain to the Suffragettes' fight for the vote, women's contributions during the First World War and the Ford Dagenham strikes of 1968, children discover how determination, protest and changing attitudes helped transform women's lives.

Through historical enquiry, timelines, discussion and the analysis of primary and secondary sources, children develop a deeper understanding of women's rights and gender equality throughout history. The scheme culminates in an opportunity to reflect on how far society has come and consider whether true gender equality has been achieved today.

What children will learn

• Explore the rights and roles of women in ancient civilisations, medieval Britain and the Renaissance.

• Investigate how women's lives were restricted during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, including Victorian Britain.

• Discover the women's suffrage movement and how the Suffragettes and Suffragists campaigned for voting rights.

• Examine the changing role of women during the First World War and its impact on women's suffrage.

• Use historical sources to investigate women's lives and expectations during the 1950s.

• Explore second-wave feminism, the Ford Dagenham strikes and changes to women's rights during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Develop chronological understanding and historical enquiry skills while evaluating the progress of gender equality.

What's included?

This complete seven-lesson KS2 History scheme of work includes everything you need to explore the changing role of women with your Year 5 or Year 6 class:

• Seven detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, teaching guidance and engaging activities.

• Ready-to-use teaching slides to introduce historical events, explore key ideas and stimulate classroom discussion.

• Differentiated worksheets and activities to support adaptive teaching.

• Historical source materials, including photographs, records, adverts and other evidence for enquiry and interpretation.

• Timelines, challenge cards and discussion activities to develop chronological understanding and critical thinking.

• A knowledge organiser covering key vocabulary, historical events, significant dates and enquiry questions.

• An assessment grid to help track children's knowledge, understanding and historical enquiry skills.

Ideal for exploring women's rights, the Suffragettes and social change as part of a KS2 British History study, this ready-to-teach scheme encourages children to look beyond historical dates and events to consider the people, struggles and decisions that shaped the world they live in today.