Check it! - Crime and Punishment - Year 5

The educational materials from Focus Education explore the evolution of 'crime and punishment' through different ages, specifically tailored for Year 5 students. The content prompts learners to consider how societal views on justice have shifted over time. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate regular review sessions into their lessons, using creative methods such as 'Brain dump', 'Give me FIVE!', and 'Retrieval Pyramids' to help children consolidate their understanding of the topic. These activities aim to engage students in active recall and reflection, thereby enhancing their retention of the subject matter.

The resources delve into the history of crime and punishment, including the harsh realities of the past, particularly during Anglo-Saxon times. Students are invited to explore five facts about crimes and the often-unfair punishments of that era. Through activities like 'Expand and Elaborate', children are encouraged to think critically about the differences in treatment between social classes in the past and to compare historical punishments to the more lenient ones of today. The materials also prompt inquiry into various aspects of the justice system, such as the roles of different social ranks like the thane and ceorl, the concept of weregild, and the traditions behind judges wearing wigs and the composition of juries. The aim is to help students understand the continuity and change in legal practices and vocabulary associated with 'crime and punishment' over the centuries. The educational approach ensures that all pupils are able to engage with the fundamental concepts, with more challenging questions available for those ready to extend their learning.