Year 5
Our transdisciplinary theme this term is ‘How we organise ourselves` and the central idea that we are exploring is: ‘Legacies can determine the creation of societies.'
Our provocation this term involved some excellent drama skills from the children; re-enacting the Viking Raid on Lindisfarne in 793 AD. Two classes prepared Viking weapons and helmets while Gorilla class dressed as Anglo-saxon monks. As monks, Gorillas were invaded with all their jewellery, gold and silver stolen during the raid. Following this, the children wrote some excellent newspaper articles about the events that occurred that day.
Once the children had been introduced to this term’s topic, we started to explore the creation of the Viking legacy. The children investigated using a Google Site: who the Vikings were, why they invaded Britain from Scandinavia and what made them successful. On top of this, children discovered what Viking legacies we still use in modern Britain.
Our second line of inquiry was to research ‘How a way of life can influence trade and settlement.’ The children looked at what goods the Vikings exported and what goods they imported. They then presented their findings in a non-chronological report. We also created a top trumps game about the Viking Gods and Goddesses as well as discovering what areas Vikings thought were ideal for their settlements.
For our final line of inquiry, the children investigated how a legacy has influenced our society today. The children wrote diary entries in the role of a Viking boy. In our final week we even became Vikings for the day. They explored their way of life by: making bread, dressing up like a Viking, taking part in games and enjoying some Vikings sporting activities.
