Why was Elizabeth I's reign known as a time of exploration and discovery? - Teacher notes

The reign of Elizabeth I is remembered as an era of exploration and discovery, a period that significantly shaped Britain's role on the global stage. In an educational unit designed to explore the complexities of her reign, pupils are encouraged to engage in debate and discussion to understand both the positive and negative aspects of her time as monarch. Initially, the unit ensures that pupils have a foundational knowledge of who Elizabeth I was, often using resources like BBC Bitesize to provide context. The curriculum acknowledges the challenges she faced at the start of her reign, such as religious turmoil, widespread poverty, convoluted foreign policy, the question of succession, and the management of weak rulers.

As the unit progresses, students delve into the influential roles of figures like Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh, whose exploits greatly impacted Britain's international reputation. Through the study of these individuals and the use of various internet resources, pupils gain insight into the era's spirit of adventure and the far-reaching consequences of these explorations. Group activities encourage students to become advocates for pivotal topics such as the Spanish Armada, the slave trade, Christopher Columbus, the British Empire, and Tudor ships, including Galleons. These discussions and explorations help students to understand why Elizabeth I's reign is synonymous with exploration and discovery, leaving an indelible mark on history and shaping the narrative of an expanding world.