The week of 14th of October was our school wide ‘History Week’, and in Year 5 we have done lots of stuff to do with our topic of Ancient Greece.

In literacy, we have been taking notes for a non-fiction book about Ancient Greece, and this week we have been writing up our notes into paragraphs with subheadings and diagrams with captions.

Javelin

Hurdles

Discuss

Track running

Long jump

In PE, we competed in a class Olympics with Mr Henson. Our events included: javelin throwing, discus throwing, standing long jumps, hurdles running and distance running on our track.

We have looked at some artifacts in a loan box from the ‘Tyne and Wear Museums’. We had to look at an artifact; describe what it looked and felt like; and guess what we believe the artifact was used for. At the end of the week we were finally told what they were actually used for; we were close with some of our guesses, but completely wrong on others. But it was fun to see and touch these artifacts.

Over numerous afternoons, we used paper mache and balloons to make our own Greek masks for the Greek theatre. Once dried, we cut them in half so each of us got a mask to decorate and design. Some made angry faces, whereas others made happy ones. Because they take so long to dry and make, these will be finished the following week and used after the half term to write and put on our own Greek plays. Very exciting stuff coming up!

Speaking on Greek theatre, we completed a drama workshop with Jenny. Focusing on the different types of movements to represent different people in the city states, since the amphitheaters of Ancient Greek were large and people sitting at the back could not hear, so actions should be exaggerated and obvious.

Here are some videos of our drama activities, including a battle scene as Greek Hoplites and a “Greek Gods Got Talent”.

Great use of the chorus in the Poseidon group, but the scene set by Athena was well done! But all groups were fantastic in their performances = a 5-way tie!

We also had a visit from Joan, who lived during a major event in English history – World War 2. She talked about life during air raids and what it was like to grow up with shelters in gardens to protect from the bombings.

Since it is History week, we also made our poppies to be used in a display for Remembrance day in November. We used felt to make the petals and a pom-pom to make the black centre of the poppy.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our History week, learning lots along with having fun.