Knowledge organiser - Anglo-Saxons - Year 5

The knowledge organiser for Year 5 students delves into the era of the Anglo-Saxons, providing a foundational understanding of their impact on British history. The content begins by introducing the vocabulary pertinent to the study of this period, such as 'Anglo-Saxon kingdoms', which refers to the various regions established by the Anglo-Saxons, each governed by its own ruler. Students will learn about the 'shire reeve' or 'sheriff', an early peace officer, and the term 'churl', which describes a lower-class member of Anglo-Saxon society. Another key term is 'wergild', a compensation system that assigned monetary value to human life based on social rank, payable to the family or lord of a deceased individual.

Furthermore, the organiser highlights the 'Angles', a group of Saxons who originated from regions now known as Germany and parts of Holland. A prominent historical figure, King Alfred the Great, is also introduced; he is celebrated for his military victories against the Danes and is remembered as one of England's most cherished monarchs since his birth in 849. Key knowledge points include understanding who the Anglo-Saxons were, recognising their origins and the timing of their invasion of Britain, and appreciating their contributions to law, order, and settlement patterns, which differed from those established by the Romans. The organiser also emphasises the division of Britain into various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and encourages students to become familiar with the notable kings of that era. The main learning focus for History Year 5 is the chronology of the Anglo-Saxon period, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of this significant chapter in British history.