Learning objective
- To explore how William the Conqueror ruled by investigating Norman castles.
Success criteria
- I can explain how William the Conqueror took
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
National curriculum
History
The National curriculum
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Cross-curricular links
Thematic links
Explore other
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Before the lesson
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: True or false.
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Extended-mode explainer videos
How to extend your display to view the lesson page and presentation mode simultaneously. Choose your operating system below to watch the video
If you need further support with extending your display,
please contact [email protected].
Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac
Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
- Should use the Presentation: Norman castles for additional support for the main activity.
- Could circle the similarities and differences in different colours on the Activity: Castles.
Pupils working at greater depth
- Should consider how William’s role as king differs from King Charles’s today.
- Could label and describe the purpose of each feature on the motte-and-bailey castle and the stone keep castle.
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with a secure understanding can:
- Explain how William the Conqueror kept
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Vocabulary definitions
-
attack
A violent action against a person or place.
-
bailey
The area at the bottom of the motte where the army and workers lived.
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
In this unit
Assessment - History Y1/2 (B): What is a monarch?
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 1: What is a monarch?
Y1/2 (B): Who is our monarch today?
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 3: How did William the Conqueror become King of England?
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 4: How did William the Conqueror rule?
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 5: How did castles change?
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 6: What was a monarch in the past?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 27th March, 2026
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 2: Who is our monarch today?
Understanding how monarchs are crowned in a special ceremony.
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 4: How did William the Conqueror rule?
Recognising similarities and differences between castles built by the Normans.
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 1: What is a monarch?
Discovering the role of a monarch in the UK today.
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 3: How did William the Conqueror become King of England?
Exploring events leading up to the Norman conquest of England.
