Battle of Hastings

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, Year 4 students will be able to:

Understand the key events of the Battle of Hastings (1066) and its significance in English history.
Describe the main figures involved: William the Conqueror and Harold Godwinson.
Explain how the Battle of Hastings influenced the future of England.
Develop enquiry skills by examining cause and effect within a historical context.
Use historical vocabulary related to battles and medieval England confidently.

These objectives align with the National Curriculum for England, History Key Stage 2, specifically:

Pupils should be taught about:
Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots
The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor
Develop chronological understanding and cause-and-effect explanations
Gain understanding of significant historical events and people

Curriculum Links

National Curriculum England KS2 History: Pupils should secure chronological knowledge and understanding of British history, including the significance of the Norman Conquest.
Develop historical enquiry by organising and communicating historical information using appropriate vocabulary.

Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

Starter (5 minutes) — Engage & Activate Prior Knowledge

Begin by asking students what they know about kings and battles in history; ask if they know who ruled England before 1066.
Show an age-appropriate image or simple timeline highlighting key dates around 1066.
Ask: "What do you think happened in 1066 that changed history?"

Introduction (10 minutes) — Storytelling & Visualisation

Tell the story of the Battle of Hastings using a captivating narrative approach:
Introduce Harold Godwinson, King of England.
Introduce William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed the English throne.
Explain why the battle happened.
Use a large illustrated map of England and Normandy to show troop movements.
Use role-play: choose a few students to pretend to be Harold, William, and soldiers.

Main Activity (20 minutes) — Interactive Group Task: Battle Strategy & Timeline Creation

Divide the class into six groups of 5 students.
Each group is given different cards with key events or facts (e.g., Harold wins Battle of Stamford Bridge, William lands in England, soldiers use shields).
Task 1: Groups organise events in chronological order on a large timeline strip on the wall.
Task 2: Each group discusses and draws one aspect of the battle (e.g., shield wall, cavalry charge, knights on horseback).
While groups work, circulate and prompt thinking, encouraging use of historical vocabulary.

Plenary (5 minutes) — Reflect & Recap

Invite groups to present their part of the timeline and drawings briefly.
Ask the class: "Why do you think the Battle of Hastings changed England forever?"
Reinforce understanding that William becoming king led to many changes in English culture, language, and government.

Assessment (5 minutes) — Individual Written Reflection

Provide students with a simple worksheet to complete three sentences:

The Battle of Hastings happened in the year ____.
The two main leaders were __ and __.
This battle was important because _______________.

Collect worksheets to assess understanding of key facts and significance.

Teaching Resources

Illustrated Story Map of 1066 England and Normandy
Event cards for group timeline activity
Large timeline strip (paper or board)
Drawing materials (coloured pencils, markers)
Reflection worksheets—sentence starters provided

Differentiation

Support lower-ability students with pre-written vocabulary cards.
Challenge higher-attaining students to explain the impact of the battle on language and culture.
Use mixed ability groupings to foster peer support.

Cross-Curricular Links

English: Storytelling and recount writing during plenary and written reflection.
Art: Drawing medieval battle scenes.
Geography: Understanding locations in England and Normandy on a map.

WOW Factor Ideas for Engagement

Use replicas or images of Norman and Saxon helmets and shields for hands-on handling.
Create sound effects or music reminiscent of battle to immerse students during storytelling.
Invite students to write a short letter from the perspective of a soldier at the battle for homework.

This lesson allows students aged 8-9 to engage with a pivotal moment in British history using multi-sensory activities and accessible language, helping them meet National Curriculum aims in a memorable and interactive way.

Teaching Instructions