LKS2 Topic: The Romans in Britain Block C: The Roman Invasion of Britain
This block is ideally taught after the block on Life in Britain before the Romans
The Romans are invading and children take the position of Celtic tribes. Understand the power and
organisation of the Roman army and ask and answer historically relevant questions about why it was so
successful. Decide whether it was better for the Celts to collaborate or resist the Romans – what
advantages were there to collaboration.
Block C: The Roman
Invasion of Britain
(5 sessions)
By the end of this block you
will have achieved the
following outcomes:
Session 1 History and Art
The rise of the Roman Empire
Understand some of the
reasons behind the Romans’
success in invading Britain and
create Roman shields to use in
role play.
Session 2 History and English
Legions of Legionaries
Learn about life as a Roman
Legionary and create an
informative leaflet.
Session 3 History and Music
Preparing to invade Britannia
Create a realistic impression,
using music and movement, of
what it felt like as the Roman
army invaded Britain.
Session 4 History and English
Trouble is Coming!
Build on the previous session
in developing, through mime
and role-play, a deeper
understanding of the impact
of the Roman invasion on the
Celts.
Main Outcome: History
Other outcomes: English, Art, and Music

An understanding of the reasons why the Roman army was so successful and how
it expanded & conquered many countries.
 An understanding of why the Romans wanted to invade Britain.
 Knowledge of the earlier failed invasion attempts by Julius Caesar and later
successful attempt by Emperor Claudius.
 An informative leaflet about weapons, equipment and organisation in the Roman
army.
 Exploration of the events and issues around invasion through drama, discussion
and role play.
 A class presentation on the Invasion of Britain using mime, narration, music and
movement.
 A painted Roman shield using inspiration from Roman designs that can be used in
drama presentations.
 An appreciation of a musical work and an understanding of its power to evoke
feelings, imagery and emotions for a listener.
Children will
 Understand how the Roman Empire emerged and expanded in the 3 centuries
before the birth of Christ and why they were so successful in their conquests.
 Design and paint a Roman shield using inspiration from Roman designs that
can be used in the coming sessions for role play and drama activities.
Children will
 Explore the reasons for the Roman’s successful growing empire in 2 centuries
before the birth of Christ and learn about life in the Roman army.
 Produce an informative leaflet about weapons, equipment and organisation in
the Roman army.
Children will
 Begin to understand why the Romans wanted to invade Britain.
 Take part in historical role play as legionaries preparing to invade, following
simple Latin commands.
 Use a piece of music to aid visualisation of an invading army and to discuss
instruments and style and its affect on the listener.
Children will
 Further explore the reasons why Julius Caesar invaded Britain 55 BCE and they
way in which he did it.
 Explore the invasion of Britain through narration, mime and role play to gain a
deeper understanding of its impact on the people who were there.
© 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.
LKS2 Topic: The Romans in Britain Block C: The Roman Invasion of Britain
Session 5 History and English
The Roman Conquest in
43 CE
Create a realistic debate
within a Celtic tribe about
whether to accept the Roman
invasion or fight it.
Children will
 Understand the events leading up to the Roman conquest of Britain by
Emperor Claudius in 43 CE.
 Explore to issues of the Roman conquest of Britain through role play and
discussion, considering different points of view and weighing up alternatives.
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Sheet of Roman shield designs.
You will need: A2 thick card (42cm × 60cm) – 1 per child with the corners rounded off; A thick card
strip (30cm × 6cm); Stapler (for handle); Black marker pens; Sketch books; PVA glue; Red and yellow
poster or acrylic paint; Thick and fine brushes; water pots; Pencils; Aluminium pie cases (saved and
washed) – 1 per child.
Session 2
Provided: Roman Timeline; Task scaffolding sheet.
You will need: Flip chart and pens; Whiteboards and pens or paper to make notes; Access to
computers and the internet or printouts and reference books.
Session 3
Provided: Sheet of simple Roman army commands.
You will need: Access to large space, e.g. hall; Music ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins; A large stick/
staff for the teacher/ centurion.
Session 4
Provided: Roman Timeline; Narrative script (4 copies).
You will need: Access to a large space, e.g. hall; Music – the soundtrack from Braveheart (title theme);
Music – ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins; 3 PE benches; a large drum and beater.
Session 5
Provided:
You will need: Access to a large space for drama/ role-play activity; A red/ orange cloth and sticks to
simulate a fire; A simple cloak (for the tribal elder – teacher).
© 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.