This 7-lesson scheme of work on Medieval Japan is fully planned, resourced and ready to teach, built around the enquiry question: “To what extent did the Samurai live up to their Warrior Spirit?” Each lesson includes clear learning objectives, engaging activities, key vocabulary, and opportunities for discussion and reflection. The scheme covers life and hierarchy in feudal Japan (with comparisons to feudal England), the Samurai and Bushidō, women in medieval Japan, and everyday life. All resources are printable and editable, with starters, plenaries and ongoing assessment for learning included throughout.

The second lesson focuses on the enquiry: “Was the Samurai the ultimate medieval warrior?” Students compare the Samurai to the European knight through a series of structured, accessible and engaging tasks. The lesson includes a retrieval starter to activate prior knowledge, a short video with guided questions, and a comparative worksheet where students examine armour, weaponry, training, beliefs and battlefield tactics. A well-sequenced PowerPoint models how to analyse and rank each warrior using clear criteria, before students reach a justified conclusion in the plenary task. All materials, including worksheets and the PPT, are fully editable and ready to use, making the lesson adaptable for a range of abilities and teaching styles.