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In this KS3 resource, pupils will learn about and make their own dogu figurine. Dogu are ceramic figurines that were made by people in Japan thousands of years ago, during the Jomon Period. The dogu had spiritual significance, although their exact function still remains a mystery. Their intricate patterns and varying facial expressions give them their own unique personalities. Within this unit of work, there are four lessons, as well as pre-lesson resources for teachers to learn more about dogu before teaching. Lesson 1 introduces dogu in the context of Japan and Japanese art history. Following on from this, in lesson 2, pupils will closely observe the patterns and designs of dogu by annotating a printed image. They will then create their own clay tiles using inspiration from patterns seen on dogu. In lesson 3, pupils will reflect on the success of the making process in the previous lesson, and produce four draft designs for their dogu figurine, which they will construct and make in lesson 4, the final lesson. Please note that the PowerPoint files are read-only. If you would like an editable version, please contact us at education@japansociety.org.uk

In this lesson, pupils will explore the history of samurai from their origins in the early Heian Period (794-1185) up to the Meiji Restoration (1868). They will learn about how the samurai gained power as a group of people and how they gained control of Japan, as well as what led to their downfall. Pupils will also uncover some of the many myths that surround samurai through a fun myth vs reality activity, in which they will read and sort statement cards, encouraging them to think critically about the information that they read, as well as helping them to better understand what real samurai were like. The History of Samurai lesson is ideal for upper KS2 pupils but could be adapted for KS3 too. Please note that the PowerPoint file in this resource is read-only. If you would like an editable version, please contact us at education@japansociety.org.uk The Japan Society would like to thank Professor Oleg Benesch of the University of York and the Asia Department at the British Museum for their expert insights and support in developing this resource.