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Darwin Correspondence Project

Offer of a lifetime

Key Stage: 
3
Topics: 
English
Ages: 
11-14

Pupils investigate the chain of letters and events leading up to Darwin going on the Beagle voyage.  Activities explore different writing styles, from writing a job description to writing diary entries and creating a dramatic dialogue.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the activities pupils will be able to:

  • demonstrate reading and comprehension skills through answering questions about the letters
  • produce a range of writing styles for a number of situations from formal writing to family letters and diary entries
  • research, collate and summarise biographical facts
  • practice producing dialogue for a short dramatic exchange 

Right for the job?

Write a job description for Darwin to join the Beagle voyage.

Duration: 60 minutes

Dear Uncle Jos

Create the missing letter.

Duration: 60 minutes

What happened when?

Track events by writing Darwin's diary.

Duration: 90 minutes

When Darwin met Captain FitzRoy

Create a short drama about their first meeting.

Duration: 2 x 60 minutes