School topics · Teacher guide and download · CfE Second Level · P5–P7
Explore the Romans in Scotland through objects, stories, maps and practical challenges. This series is designed for Curriculum for Excellence Second Level, usually P5–P7, with teacher support and extension ideas.
The big idea: Roman armies invaded and occupied parts of what is now Scotland, but never established lasting control over the whole country.
Choose a topic
- Who lived here before the Romans?
- Life on the Antonine Wall
- Roman campaigns and engineering
- Everyday life, trade and withdrawal
For teachers
Each topic begins with a short pupil-friendly explanation, followed by a classroom activity, options for different learners and a discussion question. Allow about 50–60 minutes for each activity, with further time for reading and enquiry.
Start with the teacher guide, curriculum links and downloadable pack for learning intentions, success criteria, printable sheets and assessment prompts.
Three habits of a history detective
- Notice carefully before deciding what something means.
- Explain which evidence supports your idea.
- Say when something is uncertain or imagined.
Already using our school resources?
This Second Level series develops the diary, drama, modelling, maps and numerals approach in our existing topic overview. That Gylemuir plan is mainly First Level/P3. Our school resources directory also signposts museum learning, handling boxes and activities.
Start a class enquiry
Ask: “What do we think the Romans changed here?” Keep pupils’ first ideas, then return to them at the end. Which ideas have changed, and what evidence changed them?
