How Romans changed Britain

These 5 lessons were created for KS3 SEN students however are also suitable for KS2. All lessons are differentiated and have a starter, main and plenary. An assessment lesson is also included and weekly homework.

Lessons consist of:

• Before the Roman invasion: Celts lived in tribes, Kings/chiefs ruled tribes, tribes lived in hill forts, there were no towns or roads and most people were farmers.
• Explain the changes that the Romans put in place, reasons for these changes and analyse whether these changes continued or ended after the Romans left Britain.
• Roman roads: Change - why the Romans built straight roads and the advantages of these. Continuity – many Roman roads have been converted into motorways and are still used today.
• Religion: Continuity – the Romans were Pagans like people in Britain at this time but worshipped different Gods. Christianity became the official Roman religion and is still worshipped today.
• Language, writing and numbers: Change: The Romans recorded their history and kept record. People in Britain began to do this. New coin designs were introduced. Roman numerals were introduced to tell the time and part of record keeping. Continuity – some of our language derives from Latin, our coins are based on the Roman design and we still use Roman numerals.
• Development of towns: Change – towns and cities developed. Trading centres developed in the centre of towns and forts were built along trade routes. Continuity – names of towns and trading centres continued after the Romans left.
• Identify and explain what happens when the Romans left – some towns fell into ruin, most people returned to farming, some towns that were trading centres continued.