KS1 Topic: We are Britain Block F: Castles
Discover the castles around the British Isles! Find out about the most splendid castles and their locations
around the UK. Capture the range of architecture using different art and craft techniques and conclude by
meeting the Duke of Normandy and helping to plan his next castle!
Block F: We Are Britain
Castles
[5 sessions]
Main outcome: Geography
Other outcomes: History, Art and English
By the end of this block you will
have achieved the following
outcomes








Session 1 Geography, History and
Art
I am the king of the castle
Find out about different types of castles
using a castle timeline, photographs and
videos; create castle models including key
features.
Session 2 Art and English
Castle and the Sun
Examine the image `Castle and the Sun by
Paul Klee´; compare the image to real
castles in the UK and then recreate the
image using crayons and watercolours.
Session 3 History and English
Wanted. Medieval workers!
Be transported back in time to 1275;
experience what it would be like to work in
a medieval castle; interview each other and
compete for a job - good luck!
Session 4 Geography and History
Battle castles
Learn about the main methods of attacking
and defending a Motte and Bailey castle; in
groups plan an attack, discussing the
advantages/disadvantages of different
battle methods; play the game’ battle
castles’ and try to destroy an opponent’s
castles.
Name, locate and identify characteristics of the four countries and capital
cities of the United Kingdom and its surrounding seas.
Use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical features and
key human features, use world maps, atlases and globes to identify the
United Kingdom and its countries.
Be taught to use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise
landmarks and basic human and physical features.
Devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key.
Be taught about changes within living memory. Where appropriate,
these should be used to reveal aspects of change in national life.
Be taught about significant historical events, people and places in their
own locality.
Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
Give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for
different purposes, including for expressing feelings.
Children will:
 Research information about types of medieval castles.
 Take aerial photographs of castle models and compare physical features
with real castles.
 Create castles using junk modelling, considering the key features.
Children will:
 Use two-dimensional shapes to recreate a Paul Klee image.
 Describe/evaluate Paul Klee´s image Castle and Sun and their own work.
Children will:
 Find out about life and jobs in a medieval castle.
 Interview each other for an imaginary job in a medieval castle.
Children will:
 Learn about methods of attacking and defending a Motte and Bailey
castle.
 Draw castles on a simple map with a key.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton Trust’s
knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton Trust
website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links, changed
such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use. Hamilton Trust
excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
KS1 Topic: We are Britain Block F: Castles
Session 5 Geography
Where can I build a castle?
Respond to a letter from the Duke of
Normandy asking class to build a new
castle; use atlases to Identify countries,
capital cities and seas; draw a simple map
and indicate where the best location for the
new castle might be; present ideas to the
Duke - will he be impressed?
Children will:
 Use geographical vocabulary when choosing the best location for
building a castle.
 Make a simple map and key with different environments.
 Use atlases to identify UK countries, capitals and surrounding seas.
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Information sheets covering Model Making & Aerial photographs of castles; Castles around
Britain.
You will need: Access to the Internet; Digital cameras; A role-play corner with simple props and clothes
for the duration of the block.
Session 2
Provided: Information sheet on medieval occupations.
You will need: Access to the Internet; Simple costume to denote a monarch.
Session 3
Provided: Information sheet on How to make a castle image.
You will need: Access to the Internet; Cardboard 2 dimensional shapes, large sheets of paper; Pencils,
crayons and watercolour paints.
Session 4
Provided: Information sheets covering Methods for attacking a castle & Battle Castles Grid.
You will need: Access to the Internet.
Session 5
Provided: Information sheets covering Maps of Great Britain.
You will need: Access to the Internet; Enough atlases for the class.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton Trust’s
knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton Trust
website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links, changed
such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use. Hamilton Trust
excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.