Check it! - Anglo-Saxons - Year 5

The Anglo-Saxons were a group of peoples who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th century. They were a blend of tribes from continental Europe, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Their influence on modern life is significant, as they contributed to the English language, place names, and legal systems. To ensure Year 5 students have a firm grasp of the Anglo-Saxon heritage and its impact on contemporary society, educators are encouraged to build regular opportunities for children to review what they have learned about this era.

Ideas for reinforcing the subject matter include creative review techniques such as 'Brain dump', where students write down everything they remember, or 'Give me FIVE', where they list five facts or concepts. They could also add information to an existing mind map, or use 'Retrieval Pyramids' to structure their recall of facts such as the names of five Anglo-Saxon kings or the five kingdoms. When students 'Expand and Elaborate', they delve deeper into topics like the Anglo-Saxons' preference for a different lifestyle than the Romans, or the societal roles of ceorls and thanes. The 'Pyramid Check' challenges students to answer increasingly difficult questions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and its lasting legacy.