About the scheme of work
Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) played a vital, but often overlooked role in the campaign to abolish the Transatlantic Slave Trade and spent a lifetime fighting slavery locally, nationally and internationally. He was born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, studied at St John’s College, Cambridge and spent his final years at Playford Hall, Suffolk. The four enquiry questions that make up this Scheme of Work use the life of Thomas Clarkson, supported by rich and varied source material, to explore the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the struggle to abolish slavery in the British Colonies.
Through a range of tried and tested dynamic classroom activities, pupils explore what motivated people such as Clarkson to protest against the slave trade. They identify and use methods employed by abolitionists to protest against the trade. They challenge misconceptions about African history and place the Transatlantic Slave Trade within its full historical context. In particular, they are encouraged to understand the complex interaction of causes that led to slavery being abolished in the British colonies. Particular attention is paid to the role of partnerships, slave resistance and the work of campaigners such as Olaudah Equiano and Ottobah Cugoano.
Pupils develop their ability to identify, select and use evidence to form substantiated arguments and counter-arguments. They extend their understanding of how historical interpretations are constructed. They learn to analyse and challenge existing interpretations and to develop their own account of the struggle to abolish slavery in the British Colonies.
The Scheme of Work is mapped out in an overview document, with supporting teacher’s guides and additional resources for each of the four enquiry questions.
