Third Level Learning Journey
People of Medieval Scotland
Curriculum area: Social studies
How Bruce Became King
Introduction
In these Third Level learning journeys, learners will be encouraged to form their own opinion of the impact of this event. In doing so, learners might work
across several disciplines including Technologies, Literacy, Numeracy, and Expressive Arts.
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Learning Journey Contents
 Learning Experience A: Starter Activity
 Learning Experience B: Action Station Research
John Comyn was killed by Robert the Bruce in Scotland in 1306. The death of Comyn is viewed by historians as a key turning point in the Scottish Wars of
Independence.
Full historical background and sources for the death of John Comyn can be found in the Robert the Bruce resource. This is one of 32 resources on
medieval life from the People of Medieval Scotland Resource.
.
People, past events and societies Es & Os
 I can use my knowledge of a historical period to interpret the evidence and present an informed view.
SOC 3-01a
 I can make links between my current and previous studies, and show my understanding of how people and events have contributed to the development
of the Scottish nation.
SOC 3-02a
 I can describe the factors contributing to a major social, political or economic change in the past and can assess the impact on people’s lives.
SOC 3-05a
 Through researching, I can identify possible causes of a past conflict and report on the impact it has had on the lives of people at that time.
SOC 3-06b
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Third Level Learning Journey
People of Medieval Scotland
Curriculum area: Social studies
Prior Learning
Responsibilities of All Es & Os
C
Learners would benefit from:
Second Level
 Using primary and
secondary sources
selectively to research past
events.
SOC 2-01a
 Investigating a Scottish
historical theme to discover
how past events have
shaped Scottish society.
SOC 2-03a
Literacy
 When I engage with others, I can make a relevant contribution, encourage others to contribute and acknowledge
that they have the right to hold a different opinion.
LIT 3-02a
 I can independently select ideas and relevant information for different purposes, organise essential information or
ideas and any supporting detail in a logical order, and use suitable vocabulary to communicate effectively with my
audience.
LIT 3-06a
Numeracy
 I can find the probability of a simple event happening and explain why the consequences of the event, as well as its
probability, should be considered when making choices.
MNU 3-22a
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Third Level Learning Journey
People of Medieval Scotland
Curriculum area: Social studies
Learning Experience A: Starter Activity
Introduction
Robert the Bruce was crowned King of
Scotland in 1306. This event is
viewed by historians as a significant
turning point.
Possible learning opportunities / tasks
 Write on a post it note what ways Robert the
Bruce could have become King of Scotland.
 Think of factors including ‘heir‘, ‘bloodline’,
'friends', ‘battles‘, ‘territory’, ‘power', etc.
 Stick answers on the corresponding factor.
Possible evidence
SAY
 Explain how Robert the Bruce might have become
King of Scotland.
MAKE
 A wall display of factors.
 Students will be selected randomly to explain
their answer.
Stimulus
What factors led to Robert the Bruce
becoming king of Scotland?
Reflecting on learning
 Did all learners contribute?
Key learning
Learners can:
 Justify their opinions using their
prior knowledge, where possible.
 Did learners confidently present their opinion and
answer questions using clear justifications?
Useful resources
 King of Scots resource at People of Medieval
Scotland.
 How did Bruce become King Lesson
PowerPoint
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Taking it further
 Learners could choose another key event as an
example of power, territory, etc. and complete
further research on that event. They should be
prepared to share their finding with others.
Third Level Learning Journey
People of Medieval Scotland
Curriculum area: Social studies
Learning Experience B: Action Station Research
Possible evidence
SAY
 Identify events that led to Bruce becoming king.
Introduction
Robert the Bruce was crowned king of
Scotland in 1306. This event is
viewed by historians as a turning
point.
Possible learning opportunities / tasks
 Use the primary sources to establish events and
assess the impact on Bruce becoming king.
 Use a writing frame to reach an overall conclusion
on events leading to Bruce becoming king.
Stimulus
Learners can:
 Research and critically analyse
events and their impact.
WRITE
 Produce an extended writing piece coming to an
overall conclusion on events leading to Bruce
becoming king.
 Evaluate the usefulness of sources available about
Bruce becoming king.
What series of events led to Bruce
becoming king?
Key learning
MAKE
 A record of findings.
Reflecting on learning
Useful resources
 Did learners confidently present their opinion and
answer questions using clear justification?
 Flashcard sources from People of Medieval
Scotland and as referenced on Flashcards.
 Peer assessment of extended writing: Can learners
identify good points and areas for improvements in
other learners’ work?
 How did Bruce Become King Lesson PowerPoint
 How did Bruce Become King Record Sheet
 Extended writing scaffolding sheet
 Evaluate the usefulness of a source. Pick one of
the sources from the People of Medieval Scotland
resource and identify bias and/or exaggeration.
 Assess the relative importance of
different factors which contributed
to Bruce becoming king.
www.educationscotland.gov.uk/studyingscotland
Taking it further
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