Changing settlements and trade in Iron Age Britain
I can describe some of the changes that took place in settlements and trade in Britain during the Iron Age.
Changing settlements and trade in Iron Age Britain
I can describe some of the changes that took place in settlements and trade in Britain during the Iron Age.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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 secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
the process of farming
a place where people live
plants grown for food
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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