KS2 History: Vikings – The Battle for England Workshop
KS2 History: Vikings - The Battle for England Workshop Overview
Step back in time to the 9th century, when Viking warriors arrived on England’s shores, threatening to take over the land. This immersive, hands-on LEGO workshop brings history to life, following the journey of Alfred the Great, the Anglo-Saxon leader who fought to reclaim Wessex and defeat the Viking invaders.
“The year is 871 AD. The mighty Viking warriors have swept across England, attacking monasteries, villages, and even great towns. Their longships appear like shadows on the horizon, bringing fear to the people of Wessex. One man stands in their way: Alfred, a young prince of Wessex, soon to be King. But can he stop the Viking invasion before England is lost forever?”
Through two LEGO building challenges, students will follow Alfred’s journey—first witnessing the arrival of the Viking invaders and then constructing a Viking fort like those Alfred had to defeat in his battle for England.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- Understand the significance of Alfred the Great in the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England.
- Explore how Viking longships were designed and how they contributed to Viking raids and invasions.
- Investigate the role of Viking settlements and forts in maintaining control over conquered territories.
- Develop teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills through hands-on LEGO building challenges.
- Make connections between historical events and design principles by constructing historically inspired models.
Workshop Learning Outcomes
By the end of the school workshop students will be able to :
- Students can explain who Alfred the Great was and why he was important in resisting Viking invasions.
- Students can describe the key features of a Viking longship and how it enabled successful raids.
- Students can identify the defensive features of a Viking settlement and explain their purpose.
- Students can work collaboratively to design and construct LEGO models representing historical events.
- Students can reflect on how their builds connect to real historical events and discuss their significance.
What to Expect From This Workshop
Understanding Viking invasions and settlements: Exploring historical figures such as Alfred the Great and his role in defending England.
Interactive discussions: Engaging students with questions about Viking raids and defenses.
Hands-on building: Using thousands of LEGO bricks to create historical models.
Developing critical thinking skills: Encouraging students to consider strategic advantages in battle and settlement design.
Hands-On Activity Details
During the 75 minute workshop the students will
Challenge 1:
The Viking Longship – The Invasion Begins
Build a Viking longship, focusing on its sleek design and oar-powered speed. Explore how shallow hulls allowed Vikings to navigate rivers and launch surprise attacks.
Challenge 2:
The Viking Settlement/Fort – Defending Their Land
Construct a Viking settlement or fort inspired by real historical sites. Incorporate key defensive features such as stockades, ditches, and watchtowers.
Why Students Will Enjoy This Workshop
Hands-on LEGO challenges make history come alive.
Suitable for visual and hands-on learners who benefit from engaging, interactive activities.
Access to thousands of LEGO bricks for creative exploration.
Opportunity to share their existing knowledge on the Vikings and enhance their understanding through discussion and play.
Breakdown Of Duration
This KS2 History: Vikings workshop is a total of 75 minutes long.
- Introduction (5 mins) – Overview of the Viking invasion and Alfred the Great.
- Visual Presentation (10 mins) – Introducing key historical context and Viking strategies.
- LEGO Activity 1: Viking Longships (20 mins) – Hands-on building challenge.
- Discussion & Transition (5 mins) – Understanding Viking settlements and Alfred’s defenses.
- LEGO Activity 2: Viking Fortifications (25 mins) – Constructing defensive settlements.
- Summary, Photos & Tidy-up (10 mins) – Reviewing learning and showcasing models.
Pricing Information
Our KS2 History school workshops provide exceptional educational value and hands-on experiences for students.
Pricing is tailored based on location, group size, and session length. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a personalised quote
Enquire about this workshop today
Discover how the ‘KS2 History: Vikings‘ workshop can bring history to life in your classroom. Contact Build to Learn today to enquire about availability and tailored options for your school!
With over a decade of experience as the founder of Brickies Club Limited, I have inspired thousands of children aged 4 to 16 to develop creativity and problem-solving skills through LEGO-based activities. Now leading Build to Learn Limited, I deliver hands-on workshops that align with curriculum goals in STEM, history, and more. My expertise extends beyond practical delivery, incorporating a deep understanding of diverse learning styles to create impactful, memorable sessions that foster teamwork, curiosity, and critical thinking.
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