Key Stage Three

Lesson 1 – Introducing John Wesley

Learning Objectives:

To learn about John Wesley’s life and his impact on others
To understand what the word ‘Methodist’ means and where it came from
To gain an overview of John Wesley’s beliefs and principles and how he tried to live them out.
The Methodist Church now – similarities and differences.
How do John Wesley’s beliefs about certain issues compare with my own?

Suitable for: visit to site, visit to class, online lesson

NB A visit to John Wesley’s New Room is longer as it includes an activity in the museum)

Outline of Lesson:

Introduction
Talk – introducing John Wesley and his statue at the New Room, Bristol
Telling Wesley’s story
Why should we care about John Wesley? Exploring some of his words and actions.
How the Methodist Church was formed and what it does now.
Class activity using John Wesley’s Manifesto document and the My Manifesto document – what issues would we agree on? What would be different?
Discussion
Follow up ideas

National Curriculum Links:

KS3 History – A local history study

Learning Objectives:

To understand how the 18th century slave trade was linked to Bristol and the conditions under which the slaves were transported.
To understand how John Wesley opposed slavery and the actions he took to stand up for what he believed in.
The story of the New Room Riot.
To understand the opposition he faced and the role the New Room played at this time.

Suitable for: visit to site, visit to class, online lesson

(NB a site visit lasts two hours and includes an activity in the museum)

Outline of Lesson:

Introduction
Short talk about Bristol’s involvement in the 18th century transatlantic slave trade using age appropriate video clips
Introduction to John Wesley and his brother Charles and their experiences in America, witnessing first hand the cruelties of the slave trade.
John Wesley’s work in Bristol and his continued opposition to the merchants.
Two men who influenced him – Benezet and Equiano.
His book ‘Thoughts on Slavery’ and his last letter to William Wilberforce.
The Story of the New Room Riot
Letter writing activity
Follow up ideas including research and creative writing ideas relating to modern slavery.

National Curriculum Links:

KS3 History – A local history study

If you wish to buy these lessons for your own use they are available in a resource pack from our online shop: