KS2 History: The Rise of Roman Britain Workshop
KS2 History: Roman Britain Workshop Overview
Step back in time to AD 43 when the mighty Roman Army, under Emperor Claudius, arrived in Britain, bringing roads, stone buildings, and luxurious villas that transformed the lives of the Britons. Before the Romans, Britons lived in roundhouses, but as Roman rule spread, new towns and homes were constructed using advanced Roman engineering.
This hands-on, cross-curricular workshop allows students to explore how Roman architecture changed Britain, compare Iron Age and Roman homes, and collaborate to build a Roman villa using LEGO. Students will also discuss how daily life, housing, and infrastructure changed, considering different perspectives on whether Roman rule was beneficial.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- Understand who Emperor Claudius was and his significance in the Roman conquest of Britain.
- Explore how the Romans introduced new roads, buildings, and infrastructure.
- Compare Roman villas to Iron Age roundhouses, identifying differences in design and materials.
- Investigate the role of the Roman Army in constructing roads, buildings, and towns.
- Reflect on how life changed for Britons before and after the Roman invasion and discuss differing viewpoints on Roman rule.
Workshop Learning Outcomes
By the end of the school workshop students will be able to :
- Explain who Emperor Claudius was and his role in Roman Britain.
- Describe how Roman engineering led to significant changes in Britain’s landscape and daily life.
- Identify key features of a Roman villa, including columns, courtyards, hypocaust heating, and mosaics.
- Compare Iron Age and Roman architecture, discussing the advantages of Roman building techniques.
- Collaborate to design and build a Roman villa using LEGO, understanding its function in Roman society.
What to Expect From This Workshop
This engaging and interactive workshop provides a practical way for KS2 students to study Roman Britain, combining historical knowledge with hands-on DT skills.
The LEGO building challenge helps students visualise the impact of Roman architecture, compare pre-Roman and Roman settlements, and understand why Roman villas symbolised power and civilisation.
Hands-On Activity Details
During the 75 minute workshop the students will:
Build a Roman villa reflecting key architectural features introduced by the Romans.
Must Include:
Columns & Courtyards – Grand open spaces supported by stone pillars.
Mosaic Patterns – Decorative floors showcasing wealth and artistry.
Bathing & Living Areas – Separate spaces for relaxation and family life.
Collaboration Element:
At the end of the session, all builds will be combined into a shared class Roman settlement, creating a large-scale representation of Roman Britain.
Why Students Will Enjoy This Workshop
Hands-on History – Learning through active building makes the past tangible.
Creative Exploration – Students design and innovate, imagining how Romans lived.
Teamwork & Collaboration – Working together mirrors real-life construction challenges.
Cross-Curricular Learning – Combining History and DT for a deeper educational experience.
Real-World Connections – Understanding how Roman influence persists in modern architecture.
Breakdown Of Duration
This KS2 History: Roman Britain workshop is a total of 75 minutes long.
- Introduction (5 mins) – Overview of Roman Britain and Emperor Claudius.
- Historic Visual Presentation (10 mins) – Comparison of Iron Age roundhouses and Roman villas.
- LEGO Activity (50 mins) – Hands-on building challenge.
- Summary, Photos, and Tidy-Up (10 mins) – Review key learning points and showcase builds.
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: Roman Britain‘ 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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