Conversion to Christianity

Overview

Duration: 40 minutes
Class Size: 17 students
Year Group: Year 4
Subject: History
Topic: Conversion to Christianity from Paganism during Anglo-Saxon times
Curriculum Reference:

• National Curriculum for England, History KS2
• Pupils should learn about 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 (Years 3 and 4 History Programme of Study)
• Pupils should understand changes in Britain from the end of Roman times (c. AD 410) to AD 1066, including Anglo-Saxon Christianity

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Understand the main characteristics of Anglo-Saxon paganism and Christianity (NC History KS2)
• Identify similarities and differences between pagan and Christian beliefs and practices during the Anglo-Saxon period
• Recognise the reasons and impact of the conversion to Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England
• Show awareness of how religion affected everyday life and culture in this period

Curriculum Links

• History – KS2: Pupils should be taught to:

  • Note connections, contrasts and trends over time.
  • Develop chronologically secure knowledge of British history.
  • Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.
  • Understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world.

• Literacy (Cross-curricular): Use historical vocabulary related to religion and belief systems.

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and focus pupils on the topic.

• Begin with a brief class discussion:
  • Ask, “What do you know about Anglo-Saxons?”
  • Ask, “What religions do you know about from history?”
• Show two images—one representing Anglo-Saxon paganism (e.g., a pagan symbol, natural setting) and one of early Anglo-Saxon Christianity (e.g., a church or a cross).
• Pupils discuss with a partner what they notice and any differences.
• Teacher records a few pupil observations on the board for reference.

2. Direct Teaching Input (10 minutes)

Objective: Introduce key facts about paganism and Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.

• Present a short, engaging storytelling approach about the arrival of Christianity with St Augustine in 597 AD and how Anglo-Saxons were initially pagan.
• Highlight key beliefs and practices of paganism (e.g., worship of nature gods, rituals, oral traditions).
• Contrast these with Christianity (belief in one God, written scriptures, churches, rituals like baptism).
• Include a simple timeline to show the change over time.
• Use visual aids such as pictures, replica artefacts or symbols (e.g., Thor’s hammer vs. Christian cross).

3. Group Activity – Sorting Game (15 minutes)

Objective: Develop understanding by comparing pagan and Christian beliefs.
Materials needed: Sets of cards with statements/symbols related to beliefs and practices (e.g., sacrifice, gods, church, baptism, holy book, festivals).

• Divide pupils into 4 small groups (4-5 pupils per group).
• Each group receives a mixed set of cards.
• Task: Sort cards into three piles—‘Pagan,’ ‘Christianity,’ or ‘Both/Similar.’
• Groups discuss choices and reasons.
• Teacher circulates, asking probing questions about the similarities and differences.
• Groups record two similarities and two differences on a worksheet.

4. Whole-Class Discussion and Reflection (8 minutes)

Objective: Consolidate understanding and language development.

• Groups share their sorted cards and key points.
• Teacher reinforces correct understanding, clarifies misconceptions.
• Discuss why some people converted to Christianity (e.g., political alliances, influence of kings, stability).
• Highlight how Christianity changed daily life, such as new buildings, festivals, laws.

5. Plenary – Quick Quiz and Emotional Reflection (2 minutes)

Objective: Assess learning and personal response.

• Quick oral quiz using thumbs up/down: true or false statements (e.g., “Pagan Anglo-Saxons had written holy books,” “Christianity introduced churches,” “Pagan worship involved many gods”).
• Ask pupils to share one thing they found interesting or surprising about the conversion.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during group sorting activity and class discussion
• Worksheet comparing beliefs to assess understanding of similarities and differences
• Plenary quiz to check factual knowledge

Differentiation

• Support: Provide simplified cards with pictures for pupils needing scaffolding
• Extension: Challenge more able pupils to explain why some Anglo-Saxons resisted conversion longer

Resources Needed

• Images of pagan and Christian symbols/artefacts
• Sets of sorting cards for each group (statements and images)
• Worksheets for recording comparisons
• Timeline poster or board presentation

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Curriculum Language Focus

Use and teach terms such as:

• Paganism, Christianity, conversion, ritual, belief, gods, church, baptism, altar, sacrifice, monk, priest

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Teacher Notes

• Emphasise storytelling to engage Year 4 pupils and bring historical figures and events to life.
• Encourage respectful discussion recognising religious beliefs past and present.
• Use visual and tactile materials to support learning styles and retention.
• Link learning to modern-day examples of belief systems and communities to build relevance.

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This lesson combines curiosity-driven exploration, historical facts linked to the curriculum, interactive sorting and discussion to meet Year 4 cognitive and social levels. It adheres strictly to the National Curriculum requirements for History KS2, specifically covering the Anglo-Saxon period and the conversion to Christianity.