27 Aug 2021
Stage 2 History writing task: Me Please Mr Cook!
Imagine you are writing a letter to James Cook so that you can join him on the Endeavour expedition! The boat is setting sail on August 28th, 1768 and you are desperate to be on board! Think about what we have learned about life in England during this time. Are you rich or are you poor? Are you an orphan or the son of a Duke?! How did you hear about the voyage? Did you see the boat getting prepared? How did you find out about the expedition? Are you the servant of a scientist or artist?
You need to imagine for yourself:
Your name, age, and family
Your skills, passions, abilities and interests. Are you good at something that could be useful? Are you passionate about flora? Have you read stories of faraway lands and dream of exploration? Have you heard about Columbus?
You need to persuade Lieutenant Cook that you should be considered for the crew. Perhaps you could be his servant? The Cook’s servant, a sailor, take care of the animals because you grew up on a farm? Maybe you’re an incredible artist and want to learn from Banks? Perhaps you have no skills but your father was tragically killed at sea in the war with the French and you want to be a sailor just like him!