This exciting topic will bring the world of castles and bridges to life! Children will embark on a journey through history, learning all about castles, bridges, and the fascinating stories behind them. This hands-on topic will cover a range of creative and educational activities, encouraging exploration of shapes, construction, history, and music.

Children will begin by exploring the height, length, and symmetry of castles and bridges, using 2D and 3D shapes to build their understanding of structure. They will practise counting, addition, and subtraction through fun activities centred around these medieval marvels.

In science, children will investigate the properties of materials and how forces like pushing and pulling affect drawbridges. They will also learn about weathering and how it impacts castles over time.

Art will play a big role in the topic as children sketch, draw, and paint shields, flags, banners, and stained glass windows. They’ll also construct towers, bridges, and make their own shields.

Medieval music will bring castles to life with fanfares, trumpet calls, and castle soundscapes. Children will listen to and create their own music inspired by the past.

Using digital maps, Google Earth, and Google Maps, children will explore famous castles, locate them on a map, and learn about the UK’s countries and capital cities. They will also discover bridges in religious stories and chapels found in castles.

Finally, children will dive into the history of castles and bridges, discovering why they were built, and enjoy active “Defend the Castle” games, medieval dance, and scavenger hunts.

Height and length, 2D 3D shapes, symmetry, counting, addition and subtraction

Properties of materials, forces – pushing and pulling drawbridges, weathering

Sketching, drawing, painting – shields, flags, banners, stained glass windows

Construction of towers and bridges, making shields

Medieval music, instruments, fanfares, trumpet calls, castle soundscapes

Digital maps, Google Earth, Google maps

Bridges in religious stories, chapels in castles

Finding famous castles on a map, UK countries, capital cities

History of castles and bridges – why were they built?

Defend the castle games, medieval dance and movement

Building castles from materials, castle scavenger hunt

This unit contains sensory learning activities

  • What does a bridge do?
  • What does a bridge help us cross?
  • Who lives in a castle?

Communication for all:

  • Show a picture of a bridge and a picture of a road. Ask: "Which one is for crossing over something?" (Use pointing or picture selection for responses).
  • Show pictures of a bridge over a river, a bridge over a road, and a regular road. Ask: "Which one helps us go over water?" (Use pointing or picture selection for responses).
  • Show pictures of a castle, a king, and a queen. Ask: "Who lives in here?" (Point to the castle and have them select the picture of the king or queen).
  • Castles are large buildings made of stone, with high walls, towers, and gates to keep people safe.
  • Bridges help people travel over rivers and valleys, often built from strong materials like wood or stone.
  • People living in castles wore special clothes and worked as guards, cooks, or servants.
  • Why do castles have high walls and towers?
  • Why are castles so big and tall?
  • What kinds of bridges can we see in towns and cities?

Communication for all:

  • Show a picture of a castle with high walls and towers. Ask: "Do high walls keep people safe?" (Use thumbs up or down for yes/no responses).
  • Show a picture of a large castle. Ask: "Is this castle big so many people can live inside?" (Use thumbs up or down for yes/no responses).
  • Show pictures of different types of bridges (e.g., suspension bridge, stone bridge). Ask: "Which bridges can we see in towns and cities?" (Use pointing or picture selection for responses).
  • Castles were designed with strong defences like moats, drawbridges, and thick walls to protect against attackers.
  • Bridges can be found in towns and cities and come in different designs, like arch bridges or suspension bridges, to cross obstacles like rivers.
  • People lived and worked in castles as soldiers, cooks, blacksmiths, and other roles, creating a small community within the castle walls.
  • Why did people build castles with strong defences like moats and drawbridges?
  • How have bridges changed over time to make travel easier?
  • Who worked in castles, and what jobs did they do?

Communication for all:

  • Show a picture of a castle with a moat and drawbridge. Ask: "Why did people make this part?" (Use picture cards with options like "Keep safe," "Stop enemies," or "Make it strong" for responses).
  • Show pictures of old bridges and modern bridges. Ask: "How did bridges change?" (Use picture cards with options like "More cars," "Stronger," or "Longer" for responses).
  • Show pictures of different workers in a castle (like knights, cooks, and gardeners). Ask: "Who worked here?" and "What did they do?" (Use picture cards with the roles and jobs for matching).
  • Castles played a vital role in medieval society, serving as fortified homes for nobility and military strongholds during battles.
  • The architectural styles and construction of bridges have evolved over time, from simple wooden structures to complex, modern bridges of steel and concrete, meeting diverse transportation needs.
  • Life inside castles involved a structured hierarchy, with nobles living comfortably while servants, guards, and artisans maintained the castle's daily operations and defences.
  • Famous bridges, such as Tower Bridge in London, are iconic landmarks with unique features and designs.
ID postID Learning Objective Activity Resources Assessment
ID postID Sense Activity Instruction Tuff tray Resources Risk assessment
1 116 Smell Scented Playdough Make playdough and add different essential oils to give it a scent. Let children play with and smell the scented playdough while they shape it into castles and bridges. Y Homemade playdough (flour, salt, water), Cream of tartar, Food colouring, Essential oils (lavender, lemon) Use non-toxic, child-safe materials, Check for any potential allergens
3 116 Smell Aromatic Herbs Place different herbs in small bowls. Let children smell each herb and talk about how they were used in medieval times for cooking and medicine. Y Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil), Small bowls Check for any potential allergens
4 116 Smell Scented painting Mix scented extracts into the paint. Let children use the scented paints to create pictures of castles and bridges, enjoying the different smells as they paint. Y Non-toxic paint, Scented extracts (vanilla, mint), Paintbrushes, Paper Use non-toxic and child-safe materials, Check for any potential allergens
5 116 Hearing Historical music Listen to medieval music or soundtracks that evoke a castle's ambience. N Music - online sources such as YouTube Monitor volume levels to avoid noise-induced discomfort
6 116 Hearing Nature Sounds Explore sounds that could be heard around medieval castles, like birds, rivers, and wind. N Online sources such as YouTube Monitor for any anxiety-inducing sounds and adjust accordingly
7 116 Touch Tactile walks Walk on varied surfaces resembling castle courtyards, drawbridges, or castle walls. N Variety of surfaces to walk on Check that walking surfaces are non-slippery and free of hazards
8 116 Touch Costume play Try on costumes made of fabrics like velvet, wool, and chain mail for a medieval experience. N Variety of costumes to try on Use hypoallergenic fabrics and avoid costumes that restrict movement or vision
9 116 Smell Natural scents Bring in the earthy scents of soil, moss, and foliage around old bridges. Y Moss, Soil, Foliage Confirm that children do not have allergies to soil, moss, or plants used
10 116 Smell Smoke scents Use incense or safe artificial scents to replicate the smells of firewood and torches. N Incense Use incense cautiously to prevent fire risks and avoid excessive inhalation
Sense
ID postID Learning Objective Activity Resources Assessment

Local learning opportunities

  • Visit local castles and bridges to learn about their history, architecture, and significance. When visiting local castles and bridges, children can engage in various activities to learn about their history, architecture, and significance.
  • Join guided tours specifically designed for children. These tours often include storytelling, interactive elements, and engaging explanations suited for younger audiences.
  • Play Poohsticks on a local bridge that crosses a stream.
  • Participate in a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt organised by the site. This can involve finding specific architectural features, historical artefacts, or learning fun facts about the castle or bridge.

Safeguarding

Ensure that all school risk assessment policies and procedures have been followed before taking children off-site.

ID postID Activity Details Instructions Resources
1 116 Making sandcastles Making sandcastles is a fun and engaging outdoor learning activity that combines creativity, teamwork, and sensory exploration. This activity is perfect for children and can be conducted either in a sand pit or on the beach. It encourages fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and an understanding of basic engineering principles as children design and build their sandcastles. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for children to learn about the natural environment and the properties of sand and water. Explain the basic concepts of building a sandcastle, including the importance of wet sand and the use of different tools.Encourage children to draw or plan their sandcastle before starting to build. Guide the children as they construct their sandcastles, using tools to shape and sculpt the sand. Allow children to decorate their sandcastles using shells, seaweed, and other natural materials found on the beach. Discuss the different sandcastles built, highlighting unique designs and creative features. Buckets of various sizes, spades and small shovels, moulds (shapes and figures), rakes and sifters, water containers, natural decorations (shells, seaweed, pebbles), towels or blankets for seating, sunscreen and hats (if on the beach), a camera or smartphone to document the creations, a large umbrella or tent for shade
ID PostID Activity Instructions Resources Safety
1 116 Build a Cardboard Castle Create a castle using cardboard boxes, kitchen paper rolls, and other recyclable materials. Cardboard boxes, kitchen paper rolls, glue, paint, scissors Ensure scissors are child-safe. Supervise use of glue and paint.
2 116 Drawbridge Construction Build a simple drawbridge using string, paper, and small boxes. String, paper, small boxes, tape Supervise use of string and tape to avoid entanglement.
3 116 Castle Story Time Read a story about castles and knights, then draw scenes from the story. Storybook about castles, drawing paper, crayons Ensure crayons are non-toxic and appropriate for the child's age.
4 116 Lego Castle Building Use Lego bricks to build a castle. Discuss different parts of a castle while building. Lego bricks Supervise to prevent choking hazards with small Lego pieces.
5 116 Bridge Building Challenge Create bridges using various materials and test their strength with small weights. Straws, tape, small toy cars, coins Supervise the use of small weights to prevent injury.

General safety tips:

  • Always supervise children during home learning activities
  • Ensure that materials are age-appropriate and non-toxic
  • Create a safe, clutter-free workspace
  • Wash hands after messy activities, especially when handling food

The activities not only support the learning objectives of the curriculum, but also provide an opportunity for quality bonding time between children and their parents, carers and families.

ID postID Learning Objective Activity Resources Assessment

Brilliant Bridges

by Kay Barnham and illustrated by Laszlo Veres

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Castles

by Maggie Freeman

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Jack and the Beanstalk

by DK and illustrated by Giuseppe Di Lernia

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Jasper's Beanstalk

by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen

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Rapunzel

by Stephanie Stansbie and illustrated by Loretta Schauer

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The Story of Robin Hood

by Rob Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Alan Marks

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The Three Billy-Goats Gruff

by Jacob Grimm and illustrated by Angela Hewitt

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Winnie the Pooh

by A.A.Milne and illustrations by E.H.Shepard

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You Wouldn't Want To Be A Prisoner in the Tower of London!

by Fiona Macdonald and illustrated by David Antram

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Ask the children questions about these images. What can you see? What describing words can you use? What shapes can you see? What colours can you see?

Wooden toy castle


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King dressing-up costume


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Castle floor puzzle


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Wooden Garden Bridge (1.5M)


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Baker Ross Castle Wooden Pen Pot Kits - Pack of 2


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Medieval Queen Outfit & Accessory


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LEGO DUPLO Disney 3in1 Magical Castle


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Tuff tray (100cm diameter)


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Universal Tuff Tray Cover


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General resources


Don't forget to check out our general resource suggestions here!

Each of the 5 areas are interrelated and should be used when assessing pupils who are not engaged in subject-specific study. Each area can provide a focus on how well pupils are achieving a specific outcome or individual development target as set out in their EHC plans or high-needs funding agreements.

The 5 areas are not hierarchical, so there is no expectation that pupils need to demonstrate progress in all 5 areas. Instead, each of the areas represent what is necessary for pupils to fully engage in their development and reach their full potential. The areas also provide the scaffolding to enable pupils to become independent in developing a new skill or concept.

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If children are interested in this topic, these are some possible jobs and careers that they might want to consider doing when they are older.
Also ask the children, "What other jobs could you do?" and "What do you like doing that could be part of a job related to ... ?"
Here is some useful background information about this topic for teachers and teaching assistants.

Castles

Castles are impressive structures with distinct architectural features, such as keeps, moats, drawbridges, gatehouses, battlements, and towers, all meticulously designed for defence. Keeps are central strongholds providing the last line of defence. Moats, often filled with water, surround the castle to deter attackers. Drawbridges can be raised to block entry across the moat. Gatehouses control access and add an extra layer of security. Battlements, the parapets on the top of castle walls, provide cover for defenders. Towers offer vantage points for surveillance and archery.

Primarily constructed during the Norman period following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, castles served as homes for nobility and formidable defensive strongholds. The Normans introduced the motte-and-bailey design, featuring a wooden or stone keep on a raised earthwork (motte) accompanied by an enclosed courtyard (bailey). Later, stone keep castles became more common, offering greater durability and improved defence capabilities.

Daily life in a medieval castle was complex, with distinct roles for its inhabitants. The lord oversaw the estate, managed resources, and provided justice. Soldiers, including knights, were responsible for the castle's defence and participated in warfare. Servants carried out essential tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the castle. Knights, often of noble birth, provided protection and swore fealty to their lord. The people within the castle walls wore period-specific clothing, with the nobility donning elaborate garments and the lower classes wearing simpler attire. Their diet included foods like bread, meat, and vegetables, with the wealthy enjoying a more varied and abundant selection.

Different types of castles reflect the evolution of military architecture. Early Norman motte-and-bailey castles, with their wooden keeps and quick construction, were soon succeeded by more robust stone keep castles. Stone keeps, such as the Tower of London, provided better defence against attacks and the elements, becoming symbols of Norman authority and power.

Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, is a historic fortress that has played a pivotal role in Scottish history. This stone keep castle, with its strategic location, has been involved in many conflicts and sieges. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, important symbols of Scottish monarchy.

Windsor Castle, the longest-occupied palace in Europe, serves as both a royal residence and a working royal palace. Its impressive architecture includes a large keep, known as the Round Tower, and beautiful state apartments. Windsor Castle exemplifies the evolution of castle design from a defensive stronghold to a symbol of royal opulence and power.

Clifford's Tower, originally part of York Castle, is a prominent example of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. The tower, built on a motte, served as a royal stronghold in the north of England. Its history includes roles as a defensive fortress, a royal mint, and even a prison.

Leeds Castle, known as the "Loveliest Castle in the World," has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. This picturesque castle, set on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, evolved from a Norman stronghold to a private residence. Its beautiful gardens and historic interiors attract numerous visitors each year.

Bridges

Bridges are vital structures that connect places separated by water or land, simplifying travel and fostering economic and social integration. At their core, bridges consist of three main components: decks, piers, and abutments. The deck is the horizontal surface on which vehicles and pedestrians travel. Piers are the vertical supports that hold up the deck, typically placed at intervals along the length of the bridge. Abutments are the structures at either end of the bridge that anchor it to the ground, providing stability and support.

Bridges can be built in various styles, including arch, beam, suspension, and cantilever. Arch bridges, such as the Iron Bridge in Shropshire, utilise a curved, semicircular structure that distributes weight evenly, allowing them to span considerable distances while supporting heavy loads. Beam bridges, like the Poohsticks Bridge, are the simplest form, consisting of horizontal beams supported at each end by piers or abutments, typically used for shorter spans. Suspension bridges, exemplified by the Clifton Suspension Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, feature decks hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders, making them ideal for spanning large gaps. The Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland is a cantilever bridge, relying on cantilevers, which are horizontal beams supported only on one end, providing immense strength and rigidity, suitable for carrying heavy rail traffic.

The materials used in bridge construction have evolved over time, impacting their strength and durability. Ancient bridges often used wood and stone, such as those constructed by the Romans, which played a significant role in facilitating transportation and trade. As technology advanced, iron and steel became prominent, leading to stronger and more durable structures. The use of these materials allowed for the construction of iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge in London, known for its unique design and historical significance.

Famous bridges, such as the Humber Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, and the Tower Bridge in London, have become iconic landmarks. These structures not only serve functional purposes but also stand as symbols of engineering prowess and cultural heritage. Ancient bridges, such as those built by the Romans, were crucial in connecting distant parts of their empire, enabling efficient movement of people, goods, and armies, thus playing a significant role in the expansion and maintenance of their civilisation.

Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a legendary English folk hero, renowned for his skills as an archer and swordsman. He is traditionally depicted as a kind-hearted outlaw who "robbed from the rich and gave to the poor," operating in Sherwood Forest with his band of Merry Men, including notable figures such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian. The tales of Robin Hood are set in the medieval period, often during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart.

A significant part of the Robin Hood legend is centred around Nottingham and Nottingham Castle. Nottingham Castle, a royal fortress with a rich history, is often portrayed as the stronghold of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood's main adversary. The castle played a crucial role in the tales, serving as the site of various skirmishes and daring rescues. Nottingham itself, a historic city, provides the backdrop for many of Robin Hood's adventures, highlighting the tension between the oppressive ruling class and the common folk.

Though historical evidence of Robin Hood's existence is scarce, his story has been a popular subject in literature, theatre, and film, symbolising the fight against injustice and tyranny. Robin Hood's enduring appeal lies in his representation of the struggle for social justice and the ideal of fairness, with Nottingham and its castle serving as iconic settings in the narrative.

These are some common misconceptions that children often have with this topic.

Castles were always made of stone

Early castles were often made of wood and earth, and stone castles came later as fortifications improved.


All castles had moats

Not all castles had moats; some relied on other forms of defence, such as thick walls and elevated positions.


Castles were just for royalty

Castles were used by various members of the nobility, not just kings and queens, and served as military fortresses and administrative centres.


Castles were always large and grand

Some castles were small and functional, serving primarily as military outposts rather than luxurious residences.


All castles look the same

Castles vary widely in design and structure, depending on their location, purpose, and the time period in which they were built.


Castles were always cold and dark

While some parts of castles could be drafty, many castles had fireplaces, tapestries, and other means to make them more comfortable.


Castles were always used for defence

While defence was a primary function, many castles also served as homes, administrative centres, and symbols of power.


Castles were built only in Europe

While Europe is famous for its castles, similar fortifications were built in Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.


Castles were built quickly

Building a castle was a lengthy process that could take several years or even decades to complete.


Castles were abandoned after the Middle Ages

Many castles continued to be used and modified well into the Renaissance and modern periods for various purposes.


Bridges were always made of stone

Many early bridges were made of wood, and stone bridges became more common as engineering techniques advanced.


Bridges are only for crossing rivers

Bridges can span a variety of obstacles, including valleys, roads, and railways, not just rivers.


All bridges are the same design

Bridges come in various designs, such as arch, suspension, and beam bridges, each suited to different types of crossings and engineering needs.


Bridges never collapse

Historically, some bridges have collapsed due to structural failure, natural disasters, or other causes.


Building bridges is quick and easy

Constructing a bridge is a complex process that can take years of planning and building.


Modern bridges are made only of steel and concrete

While many modern bridges use these materials, some still incorporate wood, stone, and other materials.


All bridges are built for vehicles

Bridges can also be built for pedestrians, trains, cyclists, and animals.


Bridges are a recent invention

Bridges have been constructed since ancient times, with some early examples dating back thousands of years.


Suspension bridges are the strongest

While suspension bridges are strong, other types, like arch and truss bridges, can also be incredibly sturdy and are better suited for different situations.


Bridges do not need maintenance

Bridges require regular maintenance to ensure their safety and longevity, including inspections, repairs, and sometimes complete overhauls.


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