The Atlantic Slave Trade

Explore the history of the Atlantic slave trade, from the experiences of enslaved Africans to the fight for abolition and its lasting legacy in Britain and beyond.

PlanBee Atlantic Slave Trade KS2 | History Lessons & Resources

What You Get

This pack includes a complete set of ready-to-teach lessons that together form a coherent scheme of work, written and created by experienced primary teachers.

Each of the lessons within the pack contains:

An easy-to-follow lesson plan (including plenary and assessment questions)
An engaging slideshow for the teaching input
A main activity with three-way differentiation to support adaptive teaching
An alternative activity for flexibility and choice
An overview (medium-term plan) showing the scheme contents at a glance
An assessment grid to track learning and progress

Curriculum Coverage

KS2 History Objectives

a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066

Download and Files

Instant digital download – access your resources straight after checkout.

PDF resources – lesson plans, teaching slides, worksheets and printable resources are supplied as PDFs, ready to print, display and use.

£16.99

SKU: H56CS900150

Aimed at: Key Stage 2 | Year 5 and Year 6

Title: The Complete Series (7 lessons)

The Complete Series (7 lessons) Lesson 1: What is an enslaved person? Lesson 2: The Triangular Trade Lesson 3: What was it like for enslaved people? Lesson 4: Abolition of the Slave Trade Lesson 5: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Lesson 6: Modern Slavery Lesson 7: Debate Knowledge Organiser: The Atlantic Slave Trade

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What You Get

This pack includes a complete set of ready-to-teach lessons that together form a coherent scheme of work, written and created by experienced primary teachers.

Each of the lessons within the pack contains:

An easy-to-follow lesson plan (including plenary and assessment questions)
An engaging slideshow for the teaching input
A main activity with three-way differentiation to support adaptive teaching
An alternative activity for flexibility and choice
An overview (medium-term plan) showing the scheme contents at a glance
An assessment grid to track learning and progress

Curriculum Coverage

KS2 History Objectives

a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066

Download and Files

Instant digital download – access your resources straight after checkout.

PDF resources – lesson plans, teaching slides, worksheets and printable resources are supplied as PDFs, ready to print, display and use.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

£16.99

Lesson plans

Easy-to-follow teaching guidance, plenaries and assessment questions

Teaching slides

Ready-to-use whole-class teaching presentations

Differentiated activities

Three levels of differentiation to support adaptive teaching

Alternative activities

Extra activity options for greater flexibility

Assessment

Assessment questions and a scheme assessment grid

Planning & reference

Medium-term overview and Knowledge Organiser

✓ Written and created by experienced primary teachers.

Exploring the Transatlantic Slave Trade in KS2 History

Explore the history of the transatlantic slave trade with this thought-provoking KS2 History scheme of work for Years 5 and 6. Across seven carefully structured lessons, children investigate the origins and development of the Atlantic slave trade, the experiences of enslaved Africans and the lasting impact of slavery on Britain and the wider world.

Children will examine the triangular slave trade between Europe, Africa and the Americas, using historical sources to investigate the Middle Passage and the lives of enslaved people. They will explore the abolition of the slave trade in Britain, learn about influential figures including Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, and consider how slavery continues to affect people today. Through historical enquiry, discussion and debate, children will develop their understanding of this challenging period of history and its continuing legacy.

Ideal for teaching the Atlantic slave trade and slavery at KS2, this complete History scheme supports the National Curriculum study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066.

What children will learn

understand what slavery is and use historical sources to investigate the experiences of enslaved people
explore the triangular slave trade and the roles of Europe, Africa and the Americas
investigate the Middle Passage and conditions experienced by enslaved Africans
examine the abolition of the slave trade in Britain and the people who campaigned for change
learn about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
understand what modern slavery is and how people can recognise and respond to it
investigate the lasting legacy of the Atlantic slave trade in Britain, including debates surrounding historical monuments
evaluate historical evidence, consider different perspectives and develop reasoned arguments

What's included?

This complete seven-lesson KS2 History scheme of work includes:

Seven detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, teaching guidance and assessment questions
Ready-to-teach presentation slides to introduce historical knowledge, sources and enquiry questions
Differentiated worksheets and activities to support adaptive independent work
Historical source materials, including information sheets, source cards, discussion activities and historical accounts
Debate and discussion resources to encourage critical thinking and reasoned arguments
A knowledge organiser covering key facts, historical vocabulary, chronology and enquiry questions
An assessment grid and end-of-unit quiz to help assess children's understanding and progress

All resources are provided as downloadable PDFs, ready to use in your Year 5 or Year 6 classroom.

Lesson sequence

Scheme at a glance

See how learning progresses across the scheme.

Lesson 1: What is an enslaved person?

Use historical sources to explore what slavery is and investigate the experiences and treatment of enslaved people during the Atlantic slave trade.

Lesson 2: The Triangular Trade

Discover how the triangular slave trade operated between Europe, Africa and the Americas, and investigate who benefited from it.

Lesson 3: What was it like for enslaved people?

Examine historical sources to investigate the Middle Passage and the experiences of enslaved Africans during the Atlantic slave trade.

Lesson 4: Abolition of the Slave Trade

Explore the events, campaigns and influential individuals that contributed to the abolition of the slave trade in Britain.

Lesson 5: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Discover how Harriet Tubman helped enslaved people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad in America.

Lesson 6: Modern Slavery

Investigate what modern slavery is, how to recognise its warning signs and what can be done to help people affected by it.

Lesson 7: Debate

Explore the lasting impact of the Atlantic slave trade on Britain and debate how historical monuments associated with slavery should be treated.

Knowledge Organiser: The Atlantic Slave Trade

Preview the Complete Scheme

See every lesson objective, lesson overview, assessment question and included resources before you buy.

Download the Overview

The Atlantic Slave Trade KS2 FAQs

Is this Atlantic Slave Trade scheme suitable for KS2?

Yes. This seven-lesson History scheme of work is designed for children in Years 5 and 6. It introduces the transatlantic slave trade in an age-appropriate and sensitive way, helping children understand the experiences of enslaved people, the abolition of the slave trade and its lasting impact on Britain and the wider world.

What will children learn about the transatlantic slave trade?

Children investigate how the triangular slave trade operated between Europe, Africa and the Americas, including the Middle Passage and the experiences of enslaved Africans. They explore the abolition of the slave trade in Britain, learn about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, and consider the legacy of slavery and its connections to the modern world.

How does this scheme approach the sensitive subject of slavery?

The lessons encourage children to investigate slavery through historical sources, thoughtful discussion and enquiry. They explore the experiences of enslaved people, the injustice of slavery and the actions of those who resisted it, while developing empathy, critical thinking and an understanding of different historical perspectives.

Does this scheme cover the abolition of slavery?

Yes. Children investigate the campaign to abolish the slave trade in Britain and explore the individuals and events that contributed to its abolition. They also learn about Harriet Tubman and her work helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad in America.

Does this scheme explore the legacy of slavery in Britain?

Yes. The final lesson encourages children to consider the lasting impact of the Atlantic slave trade on Britain, including debates about historical monuments associated with slavery. Children examine different viewpoints and use evidence to develop and justify their own opinions.

Which KS2 History National Curriculum objectives does this scheme cover?

This scheme supports the KS2 History National Curriculum requirement to study an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066. It also develops historical enquiry skills, including analysing sources, understanding cause and consequence, considering different perspectives and constructing informed responses to historical questions.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Explore the history of the Atlantic slave trade, from the experiences of enslaved Africans to the fight for abolition and its lasting legacy in Britain and beyond.

What You Get

Curriculum Coverage

Download and Files

What You Get

Curriculum Coverage