Key to... The Viking and Anglo-Saxon Struggle For the Kingdom of England

Developed by Stuart Tiffany (Mr T Does History), this primary KS2 history resource is aligned with the National Curriculum and encourages pupils to investigate and comprehend the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England up to the time of Edward the Confessor. This unit introduces children to key historical concepts and events, helping them understand how these two cultures shaped the course of English history.

Key Learning Areas:

• Historical Concepts: Pupils will explore continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and significance, and will develop the ability to make connections, draw contrasts, and analyse trends through structured historical accounts.

• Topics Covered:

  • Viking Culture: Understanding that the Vikings were not just raiders, but also farmers, traders, and settlers.
  • Shift from Raiding to Conquering: Examining the Viking transition from raiding to settlement, particularly in England.
  • The Struggle for England: Investigating the conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, with a focus on Alfred the Great and his successors, Aethelflaed and Edward the Elder.
  • Succession and Complexity: Understanding the complex succession issues and power struggles during this period.
  • The Link to the Norman Conquest: Connecting the Viking-Saxon conflict to the events leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Engaging Worksheets and Activities:

This resource includes a range of activities designed to deepen understanding and engage pupils with the history of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. These include:

• Interactive Timelines: Students will explore two concurrent timelines, one for the Anglo-Saxons and one for the Vikings, to understand the chronology of the period.
• Class Debate: Pupils will have the opportunity to debate what the Anglo-Saxons needed to do to reclaim land lost to the Vikings, exploring the causes and consequences of the conflict.
• Vikings and the Wider World: Investigating the connections between Viking settlements and other parts of the world, including trade routes and cultural exchanges.
• Mapping the Viking Conquests: Using maps to identify the Viking territories in England and how the land was divided under the reign of Alfred the Great.
• Alfred the Great's Legacy: Exploring which of Alfred’s actions were most significant in maintaining an independent Wessex and understanding why he is known as ‘the Great’.
• The Danelaw and Wessex: Investigating how Britain was divided into Wessex, Mercia, and the Danelaw, and understanding the significance of these divisions.
• Burh vs Castle: Pupils will learn the difference between a burh (a fortified town) and a castle by making a model or design to understand the importance of these structures for trade and defence.

Skills Development:

By participating in these activities, pupils will:

• Make Chronological Links: Understand the sequence of events in Viking and Anglo-Saxon history, connecting these events to broader historical narratives.
• Combine Sources: Use evidence from a variety of sources to draw conclusions about key events, such as Alfred the Great’s role in defending Wessex or the importance of the Danelaw.
• Identify Key Events: Recognise and understand the significance of key events in this period, such as Viking invasions, the creation of burhs, and Alfred the Great’s victories.
• Use Evidence to Write Conclusions: Develop skills in using historical evidence to form reasoned conclusions and write structured accounts of historical events.

What’s Included:

• Planning Leaflet: A comprehensive guide to delivering the unit, helping you structure your lessons and activities effectively.
• Worksheets and Activities: A range of engaging worksheets and interactive activities to bring the Viking and Anglo-Saxon periods to life for your pupils.
• Video Links: Curated video resources to enhance learning with visual context and expert explanations.
• Suggested Activities: A variety of activities that help students delve deeper into the topics and concepts of Viking and Anglo-Saxon history.

This unit on The Vikings and Anglo-Saxons provides an engaging, structured approach to teaching one of the most exciting periods of English history. Pupils will not only learn about the key events and figures but will also develop important historical skills, such as analysis, evidence use, and chronological understanding.

Purchase today to access the planning leaflet, worksheets, video links, and suggested activities, and be ready to deliver an engaging KS2 history lesson that your pupils will love!