Ancient Greek Day 

 

On the last Monday of last half-term, Year 4 enjoyed an Ancient Greek workshop day to enhance their history curriculum. In costume, over the course of the day, through role-play, and practical activities the children experienced life as they enter 490 BC as Persia invaded Greece. Pushing toward the city-state of Athens, the Persians reached Marathon a few miles away. The Athenians stand 10,000 strong to face the invaders, but will it be enough?

The children entered this uncertain time as residents of Athens. They took on typical roles found in the Athenian Agora (marketplace) at the time. They worked as wax tablet makers, pottery painters, fresco painters and jewellers.

As the children worked, news and rumours swirl through the Agora about the battle. Can the Persians be defeated? Is Athens safe?

they covered everything from the warring city states, the birth of democracy and Greek legends to Alexander the Great and Greek culture, our warriors make learning about the Ancients Greeks a fun and inspiring experience, while also providing maximum educational value.

The activities began with a short introduction to Greek life and culture, followed by four Greek activities:

• A Greek quiz, with loads of fun Greek facts for the children to discover
• Archimedes’ Stomachion – the oldest known mathematical puzzle
• Petteia, the Greek strategy game
• Myths and legends – the children were transported to a Greek theatre where they re-enact Greek myths and legends

Later, their Greek warrior demonstrated his weapons and armour. They explored the differences between the city states of Athens and Sparta are explored, took a lesson in democracy, and enjoyed a mini Olympic Games!

The great battle of Gaugamela between Alexander the Great and King Darius brought a fun and educational day to an close!

The school workshop climaxed with a feast and Greek theatre in the afternoon and it is fair to say that the children had a great time and learnt an enormous amount about that period.

Finally, can we thank all the parents and friends of King’s Ford who volunteered their time, as without them the day could not have been as successful as it was.