British history 4: Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else?

Exploring the Viking age by learning about Viking raids, trade, settlement and the struggle for control of Britain.

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  5. British history 4: Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else?

Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Explain where the Vikings came from and why they invaded Britain.
  • Sequence events according to their significance for groups of people.
  • Find evidence and make inferences from sources.
  • Name Viking trade routes.
  • Explain why trade routes were important to the Vikings.
  • Identify the differences between Viking sagas.
  • Evaluate the impact of Viking achievements.

Suggested prior learning

How did the achievements of the ancient Maya impact their society and beyond?

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Lessons

Lesson 1: When and why did the Vikings come to Britain?

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Lesson 2: Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else?

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Lesson 3: Where were the Viking trading routes and why was trade important?

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Lesson 4: Why are there different Viking sagas explaining the same event and what does this tell us about the Vikings?

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Lesson 5: What were the impacts of Viking raids and settlements on local communities in Britain?

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Lesson 6: What were the Vikings’ achievements and how did they impact the world?

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Optional lesson

Optional Remembrance lesson: Who contributed to the war effort?

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Key skills

  • Putting dates in the
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Key knowledge

  • To understand
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Key vocabulary

exchange

trade route

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Related content

    Resources

Unit resources

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History

Knowledge organiser – History Y5: Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else?

Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit 'Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something…

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History

Vocabulary display – History Y5: Were the Vikings traders, raiders or something else?

A display version of the key vocabulary from the 'Were the Vikings traders, raiders or something else?' unit.

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Subject resources

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Cross-curricular opportunities

Geography: Human and physical geography, Geographical skills and fieldwork

Maths: Ratio

English: Spoken language

Build on the learning

British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England?

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