Lesson Plan -The Battle of 1066: Who Conquered England?
The lesson plan for The Battle of 1066: Who Conquered England? is designed to support parents and carers using Elective Home Education. It guides learners through one of the most dramatic and important years in English history — a year of rival kings, fierce battles, and the famous victory at Hastings that changed the country forever.
This flexible resource includes key learning goals, reading tasks, creative activities, comprehension questions, and thought-provoking discussion points. It’s suitable for learners aged 8–16, and can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a wider project on English or medieval history.
The plan aims to make learning meaningful and enjoyable at home. It gives parents a ready-made structure while still leaving space to adapt each activity to suit their own child’s pace and interests. Whether your learner enjoys drawing, writing, acting out scenes, or diving deep into a topic, there’s something here for them to explore.
This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: The Battle of 1066: Who Conquered England?
You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..
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Lesson Plan The Battle of 1066 – Who Conquered England? | |
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| Overview | This home education lesson covers the dramatic events of 1066, focusing on the three rival claims to the English crown, the battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge, and the decisive Battle of Hastings. Learners will discover how William of Normandy became king and what this meant for England’s future. |
| Learning Objectives |
- Understand why 1066 was such an important year in English history - Identify the three main claimants to the English throne - Explain the outcome of the Battle of Hastings and its impact on England |
| Estimated Time | 60–90 minutes |
| Starter Activity |
Discuss: "If your country didn’t have a leader, who should get to be in charge — and why?" Look at a map of Europe and find Normandy, Norway, and England. Where did the three rival kings come from? |
| Read and Learn |
Read the article The Battle of 1066: Who Conquered England? together or independently. Then discuss the following:
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| Activities | Comprehension Questions:
Creative Writing: Write a letter from a soldier who fought in the Battle of Hastings. What did they see, hear, and feel? Were they proud, scared, or angry? Timeline Challenge:
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| Deeper Thinking | Big Question: "Was William’s victory fair?" Talk about whether promises, oaths, or military strength should decide who rules a country. What matters more — law, loyalty, or power? |
| Creative Projects |
- Draw a battle scene from Hastings, showing both armies and the shield wall - Make a comic strip showing the story of 1066 from Harold’s point of view - Create a royal family tree showing who ruled before and after the battle |
| Review & Reflect | Ask the learner:
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| Extensions & Homework |
- Watch an animation or re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings - Research the Bayeux Tapestry and draw your favourite scene - Compare the Battle of Hastings to another famous battle in history |
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