Anglo-Saxon London Era

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Year Group: Year 7
Class Size: 30 Students
Focus: Transformation of London during the Anglo-Saxon period
Objectives:

• Understand the significance of governance in Anglo-Saxon London.
• Explore trade and economic activities that emerged during the period.
• Analyze cultural influences that shaped early medieval London.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe key governance structures established during the Anglo-Saxon period.
2. Identify major trade routes and markets in London during this era.
3. Discuss the cultural influences, including art, religion, and language, that emerged in Anglo-Saxon London.

Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for History (Key Stage 3), particularly focusing on:

• Developing an understanding of significant events and developments in British history.
• Understanding historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint presentation on Anglo-Saxon London
• Individual student worksheets.
• Historical maps of London.
• Images depicting Anglo-Saxon culture and trade.
• Sticky notes for group activity.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Set the Scene:

   • Begin with a brief introduction to the Anglo-Saxon period (circa 410-1066 AD).
   • Use a PowerPoint presentation to show images of London during this era, including maps and artwork.
   • Pose a question: “What do you think were the challenges and opportunities of living in London during Anglo-Saxon times?” Engage students in a brief discussion.

2. Learning Objectives:

   • Clearly outline the objectives for the lesson. Write them on the whiteboard for students to refer to throughout.

Main Activity (40 minutes)

Part 1: Governance in Anglo-Saxon London (15 minutes)

1. Group Discussion:

   • Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.
   • Provide each group with historical texts detailing governance structures, such as the role of kings, local earls, and the significance of the Witan (council).
   • Each group will summarise their findings and prepare to share with the class.

2. Whole Class Sharing:

   • Invite each group to present their summaries for 2-3 minutes.
   • Discuss how governance influenced London’s development.

Part 2: Trade and Cultural Influence (20 minutes)

1. Interactive Map Activity:

   • Hand out maps of Anglo-Saxon London with marked trade routes and marketplaces.
   • Ask students to identify key areas for trade (e.g., Thames River, markets).
   • Each student will use sticky notes to mark significant trade goods (like wool, fish, or grain) on the map.

2. Class Discussion:

   • Discuss how trade influenced cultural aspects such as food, language, and art.
   • Show images of artefacts and cultural influences (like the spread of Christianity).

3. Quick Reflection:

   • Students will spend a minute writing how trade may have changed daily life in Anglo-Saxon London on their worksheets.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Recap and Reinforce:

   • Recap the key points discussed regarding governance, trade, and cultural influences.
   • Ask students to share one interesting fact they learned about Anglo-Saxon London.

2. Exit Ticket:

   • At the end of the lesson, each student must write down one thing they want to learn more about in the following lessons of this unit and submit it as an exit ticket.

Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of group activities.
• Consider group presentations and contributions to class discussions.
• Review exit tickets to gauge interest and understanding for future lessons.

Differentiation

• Provide reading materials at varied levels of complexity to cater to different reading abilities.
• Use visual aids and maps to support students with learning difficulties.
• Challenge higher-ability students to research additional cultural influences to share in the next lesson.

Resources

• Use of ICT for PowerPoint slides.
• History texts and articles provided in class.
• Artifacts (real or replicated) for physical examination by students.

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This lesson plan aims to offer a dynamic and engaging classroom experience while adhering to UK educational standards, ensuring students not only learn historical facts but also develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.