What a day!! Murton Park – Roman Day

6th September 2023Ruth Shields

We really hope the children have enjoyed their day as much as we have.

Today was action packed from start to finish and definitely gave the children the opportunity to experience life as a Roman soldier.

On our way to the fort, we needed some ‘donkeys’ to pull the cart. It was surprising how many volunteered for the task.

Before starting the activities, it was essential that they looked the part so they were allocated their barracks and a uniform.

The rest of the day consisted of 5 activities.

Sword and shield fighting where children were taught how to hold their shield and spear/sword. They were expected to follow orders to ensure their survival in battle.

They had the opportunity to throw javelins and fight with a bag. Some children were able to command their recruits.

It was music to our ears that the children weren’t escaping writing today but with a difference. They were using the Roman alphabet abd the Roman style of writing which didn’t include finger spaces or punctuation!

Crafting Roman oil lamps was another of our tasks. Children used clay to create an oil lamp which they were able to design.

Once the children had learned the skills they were taken to battle. Unexpectedly, there was a celt who challenged them to a battle because she didn’t want them on her land, however, the Roman soldier defeated them and they ran away.

An absolutely amazing day had by all and we’ve no doubts the children are ready to commence our expedition next week and learn more about the Romans.

Marvellous mosaics

6th September 2023Kate Thompson

Yesterday as part of hook week, we made mosaics. Mosaics are made of glass, stone and rock and during the Roman times they showed a sign of wealth and importance. Crew Thompson really enjoyed making shield and sword designs and tried really hard to replicate a mosaic. ☺️

Mosaic

5th September 2023Ruth Shields

Following on with the Roman theme, the children were given time to create their own mosaic patterns. Some children went for repeating patterns and others tried to create pictures with the mosaic. We worked well and even enjoyed some Roman music in the background.

Knucklebones

5th September 2023Ruth Shields

As it is hook week, it’s essential that children have an opportunity to engage in activities that help them immerse themselves in their new learning. Yesterday, the children worked in small groups to make knucklebones which was a game played by Roman children. Each person was asked to come up with their own rules so we are looking forward to playing them once they have dried.

Knucklebones!

5th September 2023Laura Hamill

As part of hook week, we learnt about a game that the Roman’s used to play called Knucklebones. We learnt all about the rules and then created our own rules for our own version of the game. Using clay, we carefully modelled our own knucklebone pieces. We are SO excited for them to dry so that we can give our game a go.

Knucklebones!

4th September 2023Kate Thompson

As part of hook week, this afternoon we made some knucklebones. We moulded clay into small pieces and shaped them to resemble knucklebones. Then, we came up with some rules on how to play knucklebones. We are super excited to play the knucklebone game tomorrow!

Sharing our expedition learning..

26th May 2023Lauren Marsh

The children loved sharing their expedition learning and sharing what they have learnt so far when answering the guiding question: where could your journey take you?

The children were most excited about sharing their hunt for the kings crown and where they had looked around London. 👑

It was lovely to have parents in to share our learning journey so far, and we cannot wait to share our next case study about space.

Coronation Coins

9th May 2023Laura Godley

We have been working hard this afternoon to develop our own commemorative, coronation coins. We had some fantastic ideas about what we should include, including the King 🤴 a crown 👑 a lion 🦁or a flag 🇬🇧

Huskar Report – An inquest into a mining disaster

4th May 2023Ruth Shields

During the lesson (earlier this week), the children read through evidence that had been presented in the Huskar Report. Children worked in small groups to play either the role of the surviving children, family members, others miners or the jury. They used the evidence to help them prepare answers to the questions the jury may ask them. After everyone presented their evidence, they concluded that although there had been some fault, it was just a very bad accident. 

Miners working conditions

27th April 2023Ruth Shields

Today, we have had the opportunity to learn more about the conditions working in the mines which are extremely unpleasant.

Children worked in pairs to read a number of sources before having to retrieve the important information. They were able to find the conditions in the mines but also the detrimental effects these had on people’s health conditions.

When we had collected the information, we have collated it into an anchor chart for the working wall.