History KS3 / GCSE: The Ascent of Woman

BBC Teach > Secondary Resources > KS3 / GCSE History

In this series of short films for secondary schools, Dr Amanda Foreman uncovers stories of women that have made and changed human history from 10,000 BC to the present day.

These short films are taken from the BBC Two series, The Ascent of Woman.

These short films are suitable for teaching history at KS3 and KS4/GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Fourth Level and National 4/5 in Scotland.

Queen Elizabeth I and her use of language as propaganda

This short film explores Elizabeth I's use of language to establish her power in an era of male rule.

Buddhism and Shinto in Japan

This short film offers an introduction to Shinto, making reference to the centrality of women within Shinto beliefs.

An introduction to Confucianism

This short film offers a look at Confucian beliefs about social hierarchy and the place of women.

Buddhism and women in China

This short film features a discussion of the origins and development of Buddhism in China, with particular reference to women.

Where did the veil originate from?

In this short film, the Assyrian original source of the veil is examined and assessed by contemporary women.

Women in Ancient Greece

Discover how the women of Ancient Greek Athens were not seen as equal as they are today in this short film for secondary schools.

The fight for women’s education in Victorian Britain

This short film explores Millicent Fawcett’s campaign to empower British women through education.

How far did the USSR improve the status of women?

This short film explores how the Soviet revolution sought to include women in their society as men’s equals.

Madame C. J. Walker, the first female African American millionaire

The story of Madam C. J. Walker, who became the first African American female millionaire.

The development of the contraceptive pill

This short film explores Margaret Sanger’s development of the contraception pill and its impact on women’s lifestyles.

How Nur Jahan ruled the Mughal Empire

This short film offers an analysis of Nur Jahan’s realignment of women’s position in 16th century Mughal society.

The fight for female rights in the French Revolution

This short film looks at the fight for female rights during the French Revolution, led by the activist Olympe de Gouges.

Why were there witch hunts in the seventeenth century?

This short film offers an analysis of the seventeenth century persecution of women as witches.

Women and the battle for equality in the church

This short film offers an analysis of Hildegard of Bingen, and how she furthered female rights in the medieval church.

How foot binding affected women in China

In this short film the practice of foot binding is explained and illustrated through interviews and artifacts.