Back to the days of hoplites and heroes: Year 4 embarks on an EPIC Ancient Greek Adventure!

Year 4 took a time-travelling trip to the sun-drenched shores of Ancient Greece, courtesy of the fantastic team at The Past Presents. And what an adventure it was!

From city-state beginnings to Olympic glory:

• Session 1: The day kicked off with a bang! We met six key characters who formed the backbone of an Ancient Greek city, then played a clever game to crack the code of democracy. Turns out, having a say in how things run isn't such a new idea after all!
• Session 2: Time to suit up! We transformed into mighty hoplites, the bronze-clad warriors who dominated the ancient battlefield. Through a series of rotating activities, we explored their weaponry, training, and the secrets of their success.
• Session 3: Ready, set, go! Our inner athletes came alive as we re-enacted the original Olympics. We tackled chariot races, wrestling, discus throws, and even javelin competitions. It was amazing to see how the modern Olympics evolved from these ancient games.
• Session 4: Hold onto your helmets! We journeyed into the realm of myths and legends, meeting fearsome gorgons, brave heroes, and powerful gods. Using drama and role-play, we brought these stories to life and discovered the magic woven into ancient Greek beliefs.
• Session 5: Swords drawn, shields raised! The final session saw us prepare for battle as real-life Spartan warriors. We trained like champions, strategised like generals, and reenacted key moments from history-making battles like Thermopylae and Marathon. Talk about feeling the heat of combat!

Beyond the battles and myths:

This Ancient Greek Day wasn't just about dusty history books. It was about understanding the rise and fall of civilisations, the impact of powerful empires, and the timeless questions of government and human achievements. We discovered that even though they lived thousands of years ago, the ancient Greeks grappled with many of the same issues we face today.

A huge thank you to The Past Presents! They brought history to life with their infectious enthusiasm, engaging activities, and in-depth knowledge. They made learning fun, challenging, and truly unforgettable.