91

Please consent to cookies to view content.

' ); iframeDoc.close(); } } } } } const observer = new MutationObserver(switchSrc); observer.observe(document.documentElement, { childList: true, subtree: true, }); })();

91

Last updated

20 May 2026

pptx, 17.21 MB
pptx, 17.21 MB
PNG, 371.95 KB
PNG, 371.95 KB

How frightening was trench life during the First World War?

This thought-provoking lesson challenges students to investigate the reality of trench warfare and evaluate just how terrifying daily life on the Western Front really was.

Through a range of source-based and independent learning activities, students explore the harsh conditions faced by soldiers in the trenches, including mud, rats and lice, Trench foot and disease, exhaustion and poor sanitation as well as constant fear and danger on the front line

Using audio clips, written sources and visual evidence, students develop higher-order thinking skills as they analyse soldiers’ experiences and reach conclusions about the physical and emotional challenges of trench life.

Students also complete a powerful “letter home” activity, considering what soldiers might have wanted to say to their families before discovering the realities of wartime censorship and propaganda.

The lesson then introduces an alternative historical interpretation from Dan Snow, encouraging students to question common assumptions about trench warfare by examining how much time soldiers actually spent on the front line compared to behind the lines.

This creates an excellent opportunity for students to evaluate differing interpretations and answer the overall enquiry question: How frightening was trench life?

The lesson concludes with a challenging historical hexagons activity designed to deepen analytical thinking and help students make links between key ideas and evidence.

The resource also features:

An enquiry question revisited throughout the lesson and unit
Retrieval practice activities
Source and interpretation analysis
Differentiated materials to support all learners
Suggested teaching strategies
Fully editable PowerPoint format

Any reviews would be gratefully received to aid future planning.

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 37%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

KS3 World War One Full Unit Bundle (1914–1918)

This fully resourced and engaging unit provides a rich exploration of the causes, experiences and consequences of the First World War, culminating in the Peace Settlement and Treaty of Versailles. The bundle is designed to give students a clear, engaging understanding of how and why the war began, how it was fought and the lasting impact it had on Britain, Europe and the wider world. From the tensions of the alliance system and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, through to the brutal reality of the Western Front and industrialised warfare, students build a detailed and coherent picture of the conflict. Alongside this, the unit places a strong emphasis on historical skills and debate. Students develop their understanding of causation, consequence, similarity and difference, and historical interpretation. Key areas of study include recruitment and Kitchener’s Army, life in the trenches, the role of women on the Home Front, Empire soldiers, developments in warfare and contested interpretations such as whether Field Marshal Haig deserves the label “Butcher of the Somme”. Each lesson is designed to be engaging, accessible and adaptable, with retrieval practice activities built in to support long-term learning. Lessons are also supported by suggested teaching strategies and up-to-date historical interpretations, including references to respected sources such as the BBC and wider historical scholarship. Included in this 14-lesson bundle: L1 The long-term causes of WWI L2 The short-term causes of WWI L3 Recruitment in WWI L4 Why build trenches? L5 Was life in the trenches all bad? L6 Was Haig the “Butcher of the Somme”? L7 Cowardice in WWI L8 War in the Air L9 Weapons of WWI L10 The role of women in WWI L11 Conscientious Objectors L12 The end of WWI and the Armistice L13 The Treaty of Versailles L14 Empire Soldiers Also included is a Key Word Literacy display to support vocabulary development and strengthen subject knowledge. All resources are provided in fully editable PowerPoint format, allowing you to adapt and tailor materials to suit your classes. Differentiated resources are included throughout to support learners of all abilities. These lessons are designed, adapted and classroom-tested to ensure strong engagement, clear progression and high-quality historical thinking throughout the unit. Any reviews would be greatly appreciated.

£25.00

Reviews

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it

to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.