Changing settlements and trade in Iron Age Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe some of the changes that took place in settlements and trade in Britain during the Iron Age.
Key learning points
- Large Iron Age hillforts, like at Castell Henllys and Maiden Castle, were built bigger than any previous settlement.
- It is debated by historians whether these hillforts were for protection or to show off.
- The earthworks of some hillforts remain, and archaeologists have found lots of artefacts when digging them up.
- The potter’s wheel arrived in Britain allowing a greater range of quality pottery to be made.
- Coins were imported to Britain and modified, encouraging trade and shared values for goods.
Keywords
Hillfort - a settlement on top of a hill with a protective barrier is a hillfort
Earthworks - earth that has been moved for building or construction is called earthworks
Ramparts - ramparts are protective barriers such as ditches, fences or walls surrounding an area
Pottery - items made from clay such as pots, vases, bowls and cups are called pottery
Common misconception
Children may not understand that the Iron Age coins were not just different to modern day coins but the first coins ever used in Britain.
Explain that during the Iron Age was the first time coins and the concept of money was used in Britain. Previously, people would have traded by swapping different goods.
Teacher tip
Children could create their own coin designs. Children could make a 3D model of a hillfort. Look at pictures or video clips of how a potter's wheel works.
Equipment
scissors, glue, craft materials, junk modeling, construction kits
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What was the era after the Bronze Age called?
Q2.What were the people inhabiting Britain during the Iron Age called?
Q3.What was iron used for in the Iron Age?
Q4.Match the word to the correct definition.
the process of farming
a place where people live
plants grown for food
Q5.What was an Iron Age roundhouse made from?
Q6.What tools did Iron Age farmers use?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where were hillforts built during the Iron Age?
Q2.Match the keyword to the definition.
earth that has been moved for building or construction
a settlement on top of a hill with a protective barrier
protective barriers such as ditches, fences or walls
Q3.What three metals were Iron Age coins made from?
Q4.When did the potter's wheel arrive in Britain?
Q5.Why is the historical site of Maiden Castle in Dorset, England important?
Q6.People first started using coins to trade in Britain during the ...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: Changing settlements and trade in Iron Age Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 history lesson on: Changing settlements and trade in Iron Age Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Bronze and Iron Age Britain: how did life change during this time? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.