Christianity in Anglo-Saxons

Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class: Year 4
Number of Pupils: 30
Unit: Anglo-Saxon Britain Uncovered (Lesson 5 of 6)
National Curriculum Focus:

• History Key Stage 2: Pupils should continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British history, addressing questions about change, cause, similarity, difference and significance.
• Relevant Programmes of Study (Years 3 and 4):
  • The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain (links to Christianity’s spread)
  • Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons
  • Understand significant individuals and places in Anglo-Saxon history.

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe the Christian conversion of Anglo-Saxon Britain and why it was significant.
2. Identify key figures such as Augustine of Canterbury and their roles in this period.
3. Explain the importance of religious centres like Iona and Lindisfarne in spreading Christianity.
4. Use historical sources to understand how Christianity changed Anglo-Saxon society.

These objectives directly relate to the NC History KS2 aim for pupils to develop understanding of the past through significant events, people, and places, and broader cultural developments.

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Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum History KS2:

  • Understand the changes in Britain from the end of Roman rule to the start of the Middle Ages.
  • Develop chronological awareness: placing events from Anglo-Saxon conversion in timeline context.
  • Understand how religion influenced social structure and daily life in early medieval Britain.

• Literacy:

  • Use historical vocabulary carefully (monk, mission, conversion).
  • Listen and speak confidently during discussion.

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Resources

• Timeline cards showing key Anglo-Saxon and Christian events
• Replica illuminated manuscript images (e.g., Lindisfarne Gospels)
• Portrait images and brief biographies of Augustine of Canterbury, Aidan of Iona, and Oswald of Northumbria
• Map of Britain highlighting Iona, Lindisfarne, Canterbury
• Role-play costume items (simple cloaks, paper halos for monks)
• Whiteboard, markers, and sticky notes
• Worksheet for structured note-taking
• Short video animation on Augustine’s mission (approx. 3 minutes) (teacher-led viewing)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Starter Question: "What was life like before Christianity came to the Anglo-Saxons?" (Activate prior learning about Anglo-Saxon paganism.)
• Use a timeline on the board: Pinpoint Anglo-Saxon invasion and then introduce arrival of Christianity (~597 AD).
• Explain briefly how Christianity brought new ideas, schools, and monasteries.

2. Teaching Input (15 minutes)

• Story of Augustine of Canterbury: Teacher narrates Augustine’s mission, supported by portrait and simple biography.
• Watch short video animation about Augustine arriving in Kent and meeting King Æthelberht.
• Discuss significance of King Æthelberht’s support in converting his people.
• Introduce Iona and Lindisfarne via map and explain their role in spreading Christianity northwards.
• Show images of Lindisfarne Gospels—discuss the link between faith and art/writing.

3. Activity 1: Role-Play and Hot-Seating (15 minutes)

• Pupils are split into groups, each assigned a character (Augustine, a Northumbrian monk from Lindisfarne, King Oswald, a pagan Anglo-Saxon).
• Groups prepare short answers to questions such as: Why is Christianity important? How does it change your community?
• Perform ‘hot-seating’: Pupils take turns as their character responding to questions from the rest of the class.
• Purpose: Develop empathy and deepen understanding of different viewpoints.

4. Activity 2: Source Analysis (10 minutes)

• In pairs, pupils examine high-quality images of illuminated manuscripts and Anglo-Saxon crosses.
• Worksheet prompts: "Describe what you see", "Why do you think this was important?" "What does this tell us about Christianity?"
• Share a few answers as a class.

5. Plenary and Assessment (10 minutes)

• Discuss: "How did Christianity change Anglo-Saxon Britain?"
• Use sticky notes—pupils write one key fact or idea learned and place on display board.
• Quick quiz with 3 questions:
  1. Who was Augustine of Canterbury?
  2. Why was Lindisfarne important?
  3. How did Christianity affect Anglo-Saxon life?
• Collect worksheets to assess understanding against learning objectives.

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Differentiation

• For SEND pupils:

  • Provide word banks with key vocabulary (monk, mission, conversion, monastery)
  • Allow use of visual aids and simplified biographies
  • Partner peer support during role-play and source activities

• For Most Able Pupils:

  • Encourage pupils to make connections between Christianity and later medieval Britain
  • Challenge with deeper questions: e.g., "Why do you think some people resisted Christianity?"

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Cross-Curricular Opportunities

• Art: Examine illuminated manuscripts, discuss Anglo-Saxon artistry and symbolism.
• English: Enhance vocabulary through historical terms and storytelling in role-play.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Emphasise chronological understanding: place this lesson in timeline context.
• Use engaging storytelling to bring historical characters alive.
• Ensure sensitivity when discussing religion — recognise diversity of belief among pupils.
• Use questioning to encourage critical thinking about sources and history’s impact.

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This lesson plan meets the National Curriculum expectation for History at KS2 by exploring the significant turning point of the Christian conversion of Anglo-Saxon Britain, emphasising key individuals and locations, and developing pupils’ skills in historical enquiry, source analysis, and chronological understanding.