Anglo-Saxon Unit of Work Planning - KS2

Why did Anglo-Saxon tribes settle in Britain after the Roman armies left?

This planning was developed with a consultant in response to an Ofsted school inspection that identified the foundation subjects of History and Geography as an area of improvement.

It begins with a rationale: Why are we studying this? Disciplinary concepts, such as chronology; continuity and change; cause and consequence; historical significance and sources.

A list of sticky knowledge: such as migration; collapse of Roman Britain etc.

Each lessons begins with a question and covers the following:

1. Who were the Anglo-Saxons?
2. Why did the Anglo-Saxons invade Britain?
3. Where did they settle?
4. What is Sutton Hoo, and what was found there?
5. When and How Did the Anglo-Saxons Become Christians?
6. What was life like for Vikings to invade Britain?

The planning is sequenced, covers substantive vocabulary, and outcomes.

Here is a sample of lesson 1:

Who were the Anglo-Saxons?

Introduction:
Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about the Anglo-Saxons. Record their responses on the board.
Explain that the Anglo-Saxons were a group of people who lived in Britain many centuries ago. Today, we will learn more about who they were and what life was like for them. Introduce the central question of the lesson: “Who were the Anglo-Saxons?”

Main Teaching:
Show pictures of Anglo-Saxon artefacts, clothing, and daily life. Explain that they were skilled farmers, craftsmen, builders, weaving and traders who lived in small villages, grew crops, raised animals, and made beautiful objects using wood, wool and leather. Discuss their migration from Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands to Britain and how their presence influenced the island’s geography and culture.

Activity:
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group an origin from an Anglo-Saxon home. Instruct each group to prepare and perform a brief skit describing the skills they possess and where they come from.