A scheme of work for Year 7 History on the feudal system, analysing the Domesday Book as a tool of Norman control.**
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The feudal system was how medieval society was organised into ranks, from the king down to peasants, based on land and loyalty.
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What’s Included
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• Feudal Pyramid Model: A structured visual breakdown of the medieval hierarchy including King, Barons, Knights, and Peasants.
• Domesday Book Investigation: Primary source extracts and analysis tasks to evaluate the 1086 survey as a tool of Norman control.
• Feudal Distribution Activity: A simulation guide where pupils trade land for military service to understand the duties owed between lord and vassal.
• PEEL Writing Framework: Paragraph structures for the mid-unit assessment on how the feudal system helped William I control England.
• Villein Life Comparison: Materials covering daily obligations like boon-work and week-work compared to life in medieval towns.

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How to Use It
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1. Run the Feudal Distribution Activity so pupils grasp the exchange of land for loyalty and military service.
2. Use the PEEL Writing Framework before the mid-unit assessment to build pupils’ stamina for extended writing on Norman power.
3. Start with the scheme of work overview to map progress from the Battle of Hastings through to the Domesday Book.

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Curriculum Coverage
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• KS3 National Curriculum — History (Year 7): Develop knowledge of the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain (1066-1509).
• KS3 History Skills: This medium-term plan looks at historical significance through the analysis of primary source extracts from the Domesday Book.

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Last updated: 1 July 2026
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File Includes
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PDF file included.