6. Key Stage 3 Norman Conquest of England- The Battle of Stamford Bridge

This is the sixth lesson in the Norman Conquest series of lessons, which explores how William the Conqueror was able to take control of England.

This lesson aims to give students an understanding of what happened when the Vikings landed in the North of England, what happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the reasons why Harold Godwinson defeated Harald Hardraada.

This resource is a power point including the full lesson and all resources needed. It includes:

• A topic title slide with a trivia question to get students thinking while they write the title and date
• clear smart differentiated learning objectives
• starter- students must decide whether the statements are true or false
• Activity 1-working in pairs, students read through the information cards about the Viking invasion and must put the events into the correct chronological order. Students check their work using the answers provided.
• Activity 2- students watch the video about the Battle of Stamford Bridge and note down what happened by writing one word per box. This will take time for students to grasp and you may need to do this very slowly to start with pausing the video often but it is worth it in the long run. Usually, I will play the video first in real time allowing students to just watch it and then ask them to begin noting on the second viewing. I have included a completed version of the note taking sheet to illustrate what the end result should be. For lower ability students it may be best to give them the completed notes and ask them to cross off when they hear that word. Students must then write a summary of what happened using their notes and again I have included an example.
• Activity 3- In a group, students must analyse the battle and then identify and explain the 3 main reasons why Harold Godwinson was able to win the battle. Then have a class discussion so that everyone is clear on the reasons.
• Plenary- students must explain what they have learnt about the Battle of Stamford Bridge to the person next to them for at least 60 seconds.
• Homework. students create a storyboard explaining what happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.