St Andrew - Invasion  

This term, St Andrew pupils had an exciting and engaging journey into the history topic ‘Invasion’, focusing on the fascinating world of the Anglo-Saxons. Through a rich mix of lessons and hands-on experiences, children were fully immersed in learning about who the Anglo-Saxons were, where they came from and why they chose to settle in Britain after the Romans left. 

Pupils particularly enjoyed discovering what everyday life was like over a thousand years ago. They explored Anglo-Saxon homes, food, jobs and village life, and were intrigued by beliefs and the introduction of Christianity. Lessons were lively and interactive, with opportunities for discussion, practical activities, storytelling, use of artefacts and historical enquiry, helping children to develop a real sense of curiosity and excitement about the past. 

A real highlight of the topic was our educational visit to Rochester Cathedral and the Guildhall Museum. At Rochester Cathedral, pupils were captivated by the scale and history of the building and loved learning about the important role Christianity played in Anglo-Saxon communities. The visit brought classroom learning to life and inspired thoughtful questions and discussions. 

At the Guildhall Museum, pupils were thrilled to see real Anglo-Saxon artefacts up close. Exploring objects such as tools, jewellery and weapons helped children understand how historians use evidence to uncover stories from the past, making learning both meaningful and memorable. 

By the end of the topic, Year 4 pupils had built a strong understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and its lasting impact on Britain. The wide range of learning opportunities and the educational visit helped foster a genuine enthusiasm for history and supported pupils in developing confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.