About the scheme of work
Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was an author of African descent who took a prominent role in the late eighteenth century movement to abolish the British Transatlantic Slave Trade. He was enslaved as a child but later gained his freedom and is best remembered for his widely sold book The Interesting Narrative (1789), which told of his experiences.
This Scheme of Work takes a new approach to historical enquiry for 5-7 year olds, offering combined history and literacy learning objectives led by challenging questions, and a series of engaging activities that knit together towards a common creative outcome. Pupils are encouraged to interpret visual and verbal texts, think about the relationship between evidence, fact and opinion and to reflect upon Equiano’s legacy. Equiano is introduced incrementally through contemporary evidence and later interpretations, in the context of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The Scheme of Work, with integrated teacher’s notes, is mapped out in a series of five enquiry questions, supported by a stimulating mix of rich source material. Each is linked specifically with renewed Framework for Literacy, Year 2 strands, developing speaking and listening and higher order thinking. The tried and tested activities are designed to be taught in the order in which they are set out, across a sequence of separated but interlinking lessons, rather than standing alone.
