The Roman Invasion of Britain KS2

The Roman Invasion of Britain KS2 History Lessons

Why did the Romans invade Britain, how did they conquer the country, and what impact did Roman rule have on the people who lived here? This engaging Roman Invasion of Britain KS2 History scheme of work takes children in Years 3 and 4 on a journey back to Roman Britain, exploring the reasons behind the invasion, the powerful Roman army, the resistance led by Boudica and the lasting legacy of Roman rule.

Across seven ready-to-teach History lessons, children investigate how and why the Romans came to Britain, what life was like before and after their arrival, and how the Roman Empire changed Britain forever. Beginning with an exploration of the terms invaders and settlers, children develop their chronological understanding by placing the Roman occupation of Britain on a historical timeline.

Children then tackle the key enquiry question: Why did the Romans invade Britain? They'll explore the motivations behind the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE and discover how the organisation, equipment and military strategies of the Roman army helped the Romans conquer and control new territories. From the armour worn by Roman soldiers to the challenges of life in the army, children gain an insight into what made the Roman military such a formidable force.

Next, children investigate the lives of the Celts who lived in Britain before the Roman invasion, using historical sources to discover what their homes, communities and everyday lives were like. They'll then meet Boudica, the famous Celtic queen who led a revolt against Roman rule. By examining Boudica from both Roman and Celtic perspectives, children explore how historical events can be interpreted differently before investigating why her rebellion was initially successful but ultimately failed.

The final lessons explore life in Roman Britain, including Roman towns, roads, buildings, public baths and entertainment. Children discover how Roman rule transformed Britain and investigate the lasting influence of Roman inventions, developments and ideas. They'll consider which aspects of modern British life can be traced back to the Romans and imagine how Britain might be different today if the Roman invasion had never happened.

Perfect for teachers looking for Roman invasion of Britain KS2 lessons, this complete scheme directly supports the KS2 History National Curriculum requirement to study the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain. With detailed lesson plans, differentiated activities and opportunities for historical enquiry, children develop their understanding of chronology, historical sources, cause and consequence, and different interpretations of the past.

What children will learn

• Understand the meaning of invaders and settlers and place the Roman invasion and occupation of Britain on a historical timeline.

• Investigate why the Romans invaded Britain and discover how the Roman army's organisation, equipment and strategies helped them succeed.

• Explore the lives of the Celts in Iron Age Britain, using historical sources to investigate their homes, communities and everyday experiences.

• Discover who Boudicca was, why she opposed Roman rule and how her actions were viewed differently by the Romans and Celts.

• Investigate the events of Boudicca's revolt, exploring why it initially succeeded but ultimately failed.

• Examine everyday life in Roman Britain, including towns, roads, construction, public baths and entertainment.

• Identify the lasting impact of the Roman Empire on Britain, considering how Roman innovations and developments continue to influence our lives today.

What's included

This complete seven-lesson Roman Invasion of Britain 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 investigations.

• Ready-to-teach presentation slides exploring the Roman invasion, Roman army, Celtic Britain, Boudicca and life under Roman rule.

• Differentiated worksheets and activities to support adaptive teaching.

• Printable teaching resources, including Roman soldier equipment sheets, information sheets, historical picture cards, question cards and discussion activities.

• Historical enquiry activities encouraging children to investigate sources, compare different perspectives and develop their own interpretations of events.

• Engaging alternative activities, including a Celtic board game, group challenges, a Roman life booklet and opportunities to explore different viewpoints.

• A History knowledge organiser featuring key facts, historical vocabulary, a British history timeline and enquiry questions.

• An assessment grid to help track children's historical knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills.

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