Vikings vs Anglo-Saxons

Vikings and Anglo-Saxons KS2 History Lessons

Explore the fascinating struggle between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons for control of England with this complete, ready-to-teach KS2 History scheme of work for Years 5 and 6. From the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the first Viking invasions to Alfred the Great, the Danelaw and the Norman Conquest, these seven engaging lessons take children on a journey through one of the most significant periods in British history.

Through historical enquiry, source-based activities, timelines and discussion, children will investigate why the Vikings invaded Britain, how Viking settlement affected Anglo-Saxon society and how England gradually became a unified kingdom. They will compare Viking and Anglo-Saxon life, explore the achievements of important historical figures and discover how the events of 1066 brought the Anglo-Saxon and Viking era to an end.

What will children learn?

Children begin by exploring Anglo-Saxon Britain before the Viking invasions, discovering what happened after the Romans left Britain, how the Anglo-Saxons established their kingdoms and what everyday life was like in eighth-century England. They will learn about the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the struggles for power that shaped Britain before the Vikings arrived.

Next, children investigate the Viking invasions of Britain, finding out who the Vikings were, where they came from and why they began raiding Anglo-Saxon settlements. They explore the attack on Lindisfarne in AD 793 and consider different perspectives on the Viking invasions, developing their ability to interpret historical events from more than one viewpoint.

Children then discover how Viking raids developed into settlement and conquest, investigating the conflicts between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons and the agreements that divided control of England. They explore the establishment of the Danelaw and use historical sources and timelines to understand how Viking settlement changed Anglo-Saxon Britain.

The fourth lesson focuses on Alfred the Great. Children investigate his reign, his resistance to Viking expansion and his contribution to the development of a more unified England. Using historical information, they consider Alfred's achievements and decide why he became known as 'the Great'.

Children also explore Viking life in Britain, discovering how Viking settlers lived and comparing their everyday experiences with those of the Anglo-Saxons. They identify similarities and differences between the two societies and investigate the lasting influence of Viking settlement on Britain.

Moving into the eleventh century, children investigate how England became a unified kingdom under a Viking king in 1016. They explore the key historical figures and events involved, use information cards to construct a chronological narrative and consider the causes and consequences of changes in political power.

Finally, children discover how the Viking and Anglo-Saxon era came to an end, exploring the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the Norman Conquest. They consider how Britain might have developed differently if the outcome of the battle had changed and reflect on how centuries of Viking and Anglo-Saxon conflict contributed to the formation of England.

Throughout these seven KS2 History lessons, children develop their historical enquiry skills by using sources, interpreting different perspectives, comparing societies, constructing timelines and explaining the causes and consequences of significant events.

What's included?

This complete Vikings and Anglo-Saxons KS2 History scheme of work provides ready-to-teach planning and resources for seven lessons, including:

• Seven detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives
• Engaging teaching slides for every lesson
• Differentiated worksheets and activities
• Historical fact cards, information sheets and enquiry resources
• Timeline cards and chronological ordering activities
• Character cards exploring important historical figures
• Activities comparing Viking and Anglo-Saxon life
• Alternative activity ideas, including creative and practical learning opportunities
• A History Knowledge Organiser covering Britain up to 1066
• A History Assessment Grid to support assessment
• An End of Unit Quiz to consolidate learning

Designed for Years 5 and 6, these ready-to-teach Vikings and Anglo-Saxons lessons support the National Curriculum study of the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor. With planning, slides, differentiated activities and assessment resources included, the scheme helps teachers deliver engaging, historically focused lessons while saving valuable preparation time.

Looking for more resources to support your Viking topic? Explore our Viking teaching resources, discover our Vikings Topic Bundle for cross-curricular planning, or investigate the earlier period of British history with our Anglo-Saxons, Picts and Scots KS2 History scheme.