Year Four

Building on our exploration of systems that benefit society, this week Year 4 transitioned from the ancient past to the present day. The children have shown a sophisticated ability to compare historical practices with modern standards, demonstrating both empathy and a strong sense of fairness.

Following our investigation into Anglo-Saxon laws, we turned our focus to the modern UK justice system. The pupils followed the journey of a legal case, exploring the steps from:

• The initial incident and the role of the police.

• The collection of evidence and the importance of facts.

• The court system, including the roles of the judge, the lawyers, and the jury.

The highlight of our discussions was the comparison between Viking wergild or trials by ordeal and our current system. The children concluded that while ancient systems were often based on luck or status, our modern system strives for equality and fairness for all. Their ability to articulate why a jury of peers is more reliable than a trial by fire was truly impressive!

Our English work this week concluded our time-travel narratives. The children transported themselves back to the age of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, placing their characters right in the heart of the action. From the tension of a Viking raid to the high stakes of a Trial by Ordeal, their stories were filled with vivid descriptions and suspense.

Most importantly, each story concluded with a thoughtful reflection. As their characters returned to the 21st century, they compared the trial by fire of the past with the modern UK justice system. The pupils showed great maturity in concluding that our current system, with its police, evidence, judges, and juries, is far fairer and more equal for everyone.