We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Mark Foley

Specifically targeted for students and teachers of Edexcel GCSE History (9-1) - Early Elizabethan England 1558-88.

The course content is also suitable for AQA students, although the exam practice is specifically aimed at Edexcel examination board.

For students of A-level or university history with no background in Elizabethan history, the course makes an excellent introduction.

For maximum effectiveness, I recommend completing the course as follows:

1. Deal with one section at a time.

2. Watch all the videos in a section, taking notes and writing key questions as you watch.

Read more

Specifically targeted for students and teachers of Edexcel GCSE History (9-1) - Early Elizabethan England 1558-88.

The course content is also suitable for AQA students, although the exam practice is specifically aimed at Edexcel examination board.

For students of A-level or university history with no background in Elizabethan history, the course makes an excellent introduction.

For maximum effectiveness, I recommend completing the course as follows:

1. Deal with one section at a time.

2. Watch all the videos in a section, taking notes and writing key questions as you watch.

3. Complete the multiple-choice quiz at the end of the section.

4. Revise any topics you got wrong on the quiz.

5. Complete the resources after each lecture to consolidate learning.

6. Complete the exam zone.

There are videos talking students through the examination paper, how to structure questions and how to attain a Level 9.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Queen, government and religion, 1558-69
Tudor society and government
The situation upon Elizabeth's accession
Elizabeth's religious settlement
Read more
Opposition to the religious settlement
Spain and the Dutch Revolt
The problem of Mary, Queen of Scots
Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad, 1569-88
Catholic plots against Elizabeth
England's relations with Spain, 1559-85
Outbreak of war with Spain, 1585-88
The defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588
Summary of Anglo-Spanish relations, 1566-88
Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558-88
Education in Elizabethan England
Leisure in Elizabethan England
The problem of the poor in Elizabethan England
Solving the problem of poverty and vagabondage
Exploration and voyages of discovery
Walter Raleigh and the attempted colonisation of Virginia
Exam Zone
How to structure answers to Paper 2 B4
B4 - Question 1(a) Describe
B4 - Question 1(b) Explain
B4 - Question 1(c) (i) or (ii) Evaluate

Save this course

Save Edexcel GCSE History: Elizabethan England 1558-88 to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Edexcel GCSE History: Elizabethan England 1558-88 with these activities:
Review Tudor History
Strengthen your understanding of the Tudor dynasty to provide context for Elizabeth's reign.
Show steps
  • Review key events and figures of the Tudor period.
  • Focus on the reigns of Henry VIII and Mary I.
  • Identify the religious and political climate leading up to Elizabeth's accession.
Compile a Glossary of Elizabethan Terms
Familiarize yourself with the language and terminology of the Elizabethan era.
Show steps
  • Identify unfamiliar terms from course materials and readings.
  • Research the definitions and historical context of each term.
  • Compile a glossary with definitions and examples of usage.
  • Share the glossary with other students.
Read 'Elizabeth the Queen' by Alison Weir
Gain a deeper understanding of Elizabeth's life and reign through a detailed biography.
View The Passionate Tudor on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Elizabeth the Queen' by Alison Weir.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and figures.
  • Reflect on Elizabeth's motivations and the impact of her decisions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Timeline of Anglo-Spanish Relations
Visualize the complex relationship between England and Spain during Elizabeth's reign.
Show steps
  • Research key events in Anglo-Spanish relations from 1558-1588.
  • Create a timeline using online tools or presentation software.
  • Include dates, descriptions, and images for each event.
  • Present the timeline to a study group or share it online.
Practice Essay Questions
Improve your exam technique by practicing essay questions on key topics.
Show steps
  • Choose a past paper essay question related to the course content.
  • Plan your essay, outlining key arguments and evidence.
  • Write the essay within the allocated time.
  • Review your essay and identify areas for improvement.
Read 'The Spanish Armada' by Michael Lewis
Deepen your understanding of the Spanish Armada through a dedicated historical account.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Spanish Armada' by Michael Lewis.
  • Read the book, focusing on the causes, events, and consequences of the Armada.
  • Analyze the strategic decisions made by both sides.
Research and Present on Elizabethan Exploration
Explore the Age of Exploration and its impact on Elizabethan society.
Show steps
  • Choose an Elizabethan explorer or voyage of discovery.
  • Research the explorer's life, voyages, and discoveries.
  • Create a presentation or report summarizing your findings.
  • Present your research to a study group or class.

Career center

Learners who complete Edexcel GCSE History: Elizabethan England 1558-88 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
History Teacher
A history teacher imparts knowledge and enthusiasm for the past to students of all ages. The curriculum of the Edexcel GCSE History course, focusing on Elizabethan England, equips future teachers with the content knowledge necessary to educate secondary school students on this pivotal era. The course also provides models of effective teaching, such as breaking down complex topics into manageable sections and reinforcing learning through quizzes and resources, which history teachers may find useful. The course's exam-focused 'Exam Zone' could further assist in preparing students for assessments. This is particularly relevant for educators working with the Edexcel GCSE History syllabus.
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for managing and interpreting collections within a museum, often specializing in a particular historical period. A deep understanding of Elizabethan England, as provided by this course, may be useful for curators working with collections from that era. The course covers key aspects of Elizabethan society, politics, and culture, providing a solid foundation for developing engaging exhibits and educational programs. Those interested in curating exhibits related to the Tudor era or Anglo-Spanish relations may find this course helpful.
Historical Archivist
A historical archivist preserves and manages historical documents and records, making them accessible to researchers and the public. This course may be useful for an archivist specializing in Elizabethan England, providing a comprehensive overview of the period's key events, figures, and social structures. The course's focus on primary source analysis and historical interpretation could be particularly beneficial for archivists working with original documents from the era. Aspiring historical archivists who want to specialize in Tudor history should consider this course.
Researcher
A researcher conducts in-depth investigations into historical topics, often working in academic or governmental settings. The Edexcel GCSE History course on Elizabethan England 1558-88 helps build a foundation for conducting research on this specific period. The course materials could provide an efficient means of acquiring initial knowledge, identifying potential research questions, and understanding the existing historiography. Researchers focusing on Elizabethan England may find the course helpful for its detailed coverage of political, religious, and social aspects.
Historical Consultant
A historical consultant provides expertise on historical matters to various organizations, such as film studios, museums, or government agencies. A strong understanding of Elizabethan England is helpful when consulting on projects related to that era. This course provides a solid foundation, covering governmental structures, religious conflicts, social issues, and international relations. The course may be useful for anyone aiming to lend historical accuracy to creative or educational endeavors.
Genealogist
A genealogist researches and documents family histories, often requiring knowledge of specific historical periods and social structures. A genealogist whose work focuses on families with roots in Elizabethan England may find this course useful. The course provides insights into Elizabethan society, including education, leisure, and poverty, which can help genealogists understand the lives of their ancestors. Understanding the intricacies of the Tudor era equips the genealogist to better assist their clients.
Writer
A writer crafts stories, articles, or scripts, often drawing on historical settings or events for inspiration. Knowledge of Elizabethan England may be useful for writers creating content related to this period. The course offers accessible insights into various facets of the era, from the political landscape to the daily lives of ordinary people. This allows writers to develop realistic and engaging narratives. Gaining familiarity with the history of England during this period, covered in the course, can ensure greater accuracy.
Editor
An editor reviews and prepares written material for publication, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency. An editor working on historical texts related to Elizabethan England may find this course helpful for fact-checking and contextualizing information. The course's coverage of key events, figures, and social structures provides a valuable reference point for editors seeking to ensure the accuracy of their publications. Anyone who would like to edit publications set in this era may find the course useful.
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads groups of people on excursions, providing information and insights about historical sites or cultural attractions. A tour guide leading tours related to Elizabethan England may find this course helpful for enhancing their knowledge and storytelling abilities. The course's coverage of key events, figures, and social structures provides valuable content for creating engaging and informative tours. Taking this course can help improve your next tour.
Legislative Assistant
A legislative assistant supports politicians in their daily tasks. This can include conducting research and delivering reports. The Edexcel GCSE History course may be useful for a legislative assistant who works on policy or initiatives that relate to history. Anyone working on policy relating to the history of England and/or its monarchy should consider this course.
Lobbyist
A lobbyist attempts to influence the decisions made by government. This course may be useful for learning about specific aspects of history. Understanding the details of history can help inform and shape policy decisions. The Edexcel GCSE History course may be useful for understanding the history of the monarchy.
Paralegal
A paralegal assists lawyers with legal tasks, including research and document preparation. While not directly related to legal matters, the course on Elizabethan England develops research and analytical skills that may be transferable to paralegal work. Understanding historical context can also be helpful in certain legal cases involving historical claims or land disputes. A paralegal who wants to further hone their research and analytical skills may wish to consider this course.
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst researches and analyzes policy issues, providing recommendations to government officials or organizations. While not directly tied to current policy debates, the course encourages critical thinking and evaluative skills through the analysis of historical events and sources. The course may be useful for professionals who are new to research.
Academic Librarian
An academic librarian supports students and professors in their research needs. The Edexcel GCSE History course may be useful for an academic librarian who wants to enrich their understanding of history. This course provides a foundation for understanding topics that are relevant to this profession.
Archivist
An archivist catalogs, organizes, and protects historical documents. The Edexcel GCSE History course may be useful for learning some of the nuances behind the different documents. Understanding the historical context of England and its monarchy will empower the archivist to perform their job at a higher level.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Edexcel GCSE History: Elizabethan England 1558-88.
This biography provides a comprehensive overview of Elizabeth's life and reign. It delves into her personality, political strategies, and the challenges she faced. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the historical context and the key players involved in Elizabethan England. It valuable resource for understanding the nuances of Elizabeth's rule.
Offers a detailed account of the Spanish Armada, its planning, execution, and ultimate defeat. It explores the naval strategies, the key figures involved, and the broader political context of the conflict. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of this pivotal event in Elizabethan history. It is particularly useful for understanding the military and naval aspects of the Anglo-Spanish conflict.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser