The Normans in the North

Ideal for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils. The Normans in the North looks at the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and its effects on the local area.

The workshop takes place in the Harbottle Suite in the Black Gate. This is an indoor classroom with two toilets (one accessible) and heating. It lasts approximately 90 minutes, though this can be varied if necessary to fit your needs.

Activities include:

• What makes a good king? (Discussion activity about the role of medieval kings)

• Dressing a Knight (Handling activity with replica Norman weapons and armour, we usually get one of the teachers dressed up as a Norman knight with the help of their “squires”)

• Battle of Hastings (Classroom re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings using soft pillow swords and shields, controlled physical activity)

• French or English? (Guessing game looking at which English words actually come from French thanks to the Normans)

We also look at events in the North East after the Norman conquest, including the various Earls who ruled the area and what happened to them, and the building of Norman Motte and Bailey Castles like the first “New Castle”.

Learning Outcomes:

The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509, local history, Edward the Confessor and his death in 1066, significant historical events, people and places in their own locality; events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally; a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066, KS2 Vocabulary, reflective learning, team working, effective participation, independent enquiry, communication, fun and enjoyment with others, healthy physical activity