Anglo-Saxons, Picts and Scots

Anglo-Saxons KS2 History Lessons: Picts, Scots and Sutton Hoo

Who were the Anglo-Saxons, where did they come from, and what can the extraordinary discoveries at Sutton Hoo tell us about life in Britain over 1,000 years ago? This engaging Anglo-Saxons KS2 History scheme of work takes children in Years 3 and 4 on a journey into early medieval Britain, exploring the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, the lives of the Picts and Scots, and the fascinating archaeological evidence that helps us understand the past.

Across seven ready-to-teach lessons, children become historical detectives as they investigate the famous Sutton Hoo burial site and its remarkable collection of Anglo-Saxon artefacts. Beginning with the discovery of the Sutton Hoo ship burial, children examine historical sources, explore the work of archaeologists and consider what the objects found at the site reveal about the mysterious person buried there. As they progress through the scheme, they'll gather evidence and develop their own theories before attempting to solve the mystery in the final lesson.

Children will investigate Anglo-Saxon migration to Britain, discovering where the Anglo-Saxons came from and exploring whether they arrived as invaders or peaceful settlers. They'll also learn about the Picts and Scots, examining evidence from settlements, monuments and artefacts to discover where these groups lived and what their lives were like. Through investigations of Anglo-Saxon houses, food, clothing, work and leisure, children will build a picture of everyday life in Anglo-Saxon Britain and explore the differences between rich and poor.

The scheme also introduces children to Anglo-Saxon culture through the epic story of Beowulf, before examining pagan beliefs and the spread of Christianity across Britain. Throughout these Anglo-Saxon KS2 lessons, children develop important historical enquiry skills by questioning evidence, identifying bias, comparing sources and drawing conclusions about the past.

Perfect for teachers looking for Anglo-Saxons KS2 lesson planning or an engaging way to teach Sutton Hoo at KS2, this complete History scheme provides everything you need to explore Britain's settlement by the Anglo-Saxons and Scots. With detailed lesson plans, ready-to-teach slides, differentiated activities and a continuing historical mystery, it makes this fascinating period of British history accessible and memorable.

What children will learn

• investigate the discovery of Sutton Hoo and explore how archaeologists use artefacts and other historical sources to learn about the past

• examine Sutton Hoo artefacts and consider what they reveal about Anglo-Saxon society, wealth, status and religious beliefs

• discover who the Anglo-Saxons were, where they came from and when they migrated to Britain

• explore the difference between migration, invasion and settlement, using historical evidence to investigate how the Anglo-Saxons arrived in Britain

• identify who the Picts and Scots were, where they lived and what archaeological and historical evidence reveals about their lives

• investigate everyday life in Anglo-Saxon Britain, including homes, food, clothing, jobs, buildings and leisure activities

• compare the lives of rich and poor Anglo-Saxons and explore how Anglo-Saxon society was organised

• discover the importance of Beowulf and investigate what traditional stories can reveal about Anglo-Saxon culture

• explore Anglo-Saxon pagan beliefs and the spread of Christianity, identifying changes and continuities in religious practices

• develop historical enquiry skills by evaluating sources, recognising bias and drawing conclusions from evidence

• bring together evidence from across the scheme to investigate who was buried at Sutton Hoo

What's included

This complete seven-lesson Anglo-Saxons, Picts and Scots KS2 History scheme of work includes everything you need to plan, teach and assess your unit:

• 7 detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, teaching guidance and engaging historical enquiries

• Ready-to-teach presentation slides introducing historical knowledge, archaeological discoveries and discussion questions

• Differentiated worksheets and activities to support adaptive teaching

• Printable teaching resources, including Sutton Hoo artefact cards, historical evidence packs, information sheets, picture cards, challenge cards and archaeological record sheets

• Engaging historical investigations, including an exploration of Anglo-Saxon migration, investigations into everyday life and a final Sutton Hoo mystery

• Alternative activity suggestions providing additional ways to explore the topic

• A knowledge organiser featuring key historical facts, vocabulary, a timeline and historical enquiry questions

• Assessment opportunities, including an assessment grid and an end-of-unit quiz to check children's understanding

All resources are supplied as downloadable PDFs, ready to use in your Year 3 or Year 4 classroom.