Recruiting, recruits & equipment

The First World War: recruitment and personal effects

Synopsis

This lesson is focused on the First World War and looks at the significance of The Schlieffen Plan, particularly in relation to Britain's entry into the war. The lesson then moves on to look at recruitment material and concludes with a look at the kit and equipment issued to soldiers. The lesson uses primary sources including recruitment posters and secondary sources such as photographs of soldiers' kit as stimulus.

MOD Topic

The First World War: recruitment and personal effects

Curriculum Checklist

1.1a, c
1.3a
1.5a
2.1a
2.3a
3a, b, i, j
4a, e

Curriculum Links

• Citizenship
• English

Prior Knowledge

Causes of the First World War.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Have a basic understanding of how the Schlieffen Plan contributed to Britain's involvement in the First World War.
• Understand the use of propaganda as a recruitment tool.
• Use the five W's to evaluate sources of information.
• Recognise the kit soldiers were expected to carry.
• Have a basic understanding of the needs of soldiers, both during the First World War and the present day.

Average ability students will:

• Understand how the Schlieffen Plan contributed to Britain's involvement in the First World War.
• Understand the use of propaganda as a recruitment tool and recognise its impact.
• Use the five W's to evaluate sources of information.
• Recognise the kit soldiers were expected to carry and understand some of the problems this may have caused.
• Understand the needs of soldiers, both during the First World War and the present day.

Higher ability students will:

• Have a full understanding of the Schlieffen Plan and the significance of the plan relating to Britain's involvement in the First World War.
• Fully understand the use of propaganda as a recruitment tool and recognise its impact.
• Use the five W's to successfully evaluate sources of information.
• Recognise the kit soldiers were expected to carry and identify potential problems arising from the provision of these items.
• Fully understand the needs of soldiers, both during the First World War and the present day.

Lesson code

H5