United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 4 History
Key Stage 2 History Year 4: a comprehensive study of the Roman Empire's impact on Britain, the Anglo-Saxon settlement, and the Viking raids, focusing on social change, resistance, and the formation of the English kingdom.
The Rise of the Roman Empire
Exploring the origins of Rome, its military expansion, and the social structures that supported a global superpower.
Investigating the mythical origins of Rome and what the story tells us about Roman values.
Examining the equipment, training, and tactics of the Roman Legionaries.
Understanding the shift from Republic to Empire and how emperors maintained control.
Discovering how aqueducts, arches, and concrete allowed Rome to grow into a megacity.
Exploring the hierarchy of Roman society and the lives of the enslaved.
Roman Britain: Invasion and Resistance
Analysing the Roman conquest of Britain and the fierce opposition from Iron Age tribes.
The story of Julius Caesar's early expeditions and the British reaction.
How Emperor Claudius succeeded where Caesar failed and the establishment of the province.
A deep dive into the Iceni revolt and the destruction of Roman Londinium.
The long resistance of the Catuvellauni and the Silures against the Roman advance.
Understanding the religious leaders of the Celts and why the Romans feared them.
Life in Roman Britain
Investigating the cultural fusion of Roman and Celtic lifestyles and the legacy of their architecture.
Studying the grid systems, forums, and amphitheatres of towns like Verulamium.
A look at the social and health aspects of the public bathing ritual.
How the Romans introduced new crops, animals, and dining habits to Britain.
Exploring Roman aesthetics and the stories told through mosaic floors.
The End of Rome and the Anglo-Saxon Arrival
Tracing the decline of Roman authority and the subsequent settlement of Germanic tribes.
The coordinated attacks by Picts, Scots, and Saxons that weakened Roman Britain.
The moment in AD 410 when Rome told Britain to "look to its own defences".
Identifying the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes and their reasons for migration.
Analysing the ship burial at Sutton Hoo to understand Anglo-Saxon wealth and craftsmanship.
Daily life in an Anglo-Saxon settlement and the importance of the Lord's Mead Hall.
Viking Raids and the Struggle for England
The arrival of the Northmen and the conflict with the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
The shocking attack on the Holy Island and its impact on Christian Europe.
The shift from small raids to a full-scale invasion of the English kingdoms.
How Alfred saved Wessex and made a peace treaty with the Vikings.
Exploring the Viking city of York and its role as a global trading hub.
The Making of England
The final unification of the English kingdoms and the lasting legacy of the early medieval period.
The grandson of Alfred who finally unified the various kingdoms into one England.
Understanding the Tithing, the Witan, and the use of "Wergild".
The mission of St Augustine and the blending of pagan and Christian traditions.
The end of the Anglo-Saxon era and the beginning of Norman rule.
A review of how Romans, Saxons, and Vikings shaped modern Britain.