Time travelling fun for Thanet pupils

Demonstrating a traditional Zorba-style folk dance

Submitted to the Thanet Gazette

Broadstairs pupils went on a magical history tour to find out about the huge global impact of Greek civilisation across the centuries.

Year 4 children arrived at Upton Junior School dressed as a variety of citizens from Ancient Greece, ready to be transported into the long distant past.

Immersing themselves in Grecian heritage and culture, they taste-tested and discussed a range of foods including olives, tzatziki, houmous, pitta bread, Greek yoghurt and feta cheese.

Then, as part of their learning about Greek myths and legends, girls and boys worked in groups to re-enact the stories about the creation of the gods, Perseus, Medusa and Theseus and the Minotaur.

After learning a traditional Zorba-style folk dance, they turned from the arts to science to create a water clock – one of the ancient civilisation’s way to tell the time.

Upcoming activities will include exploring the various gods and goddesses, a debate about the benefits of living in either of the city states of Athens or Sparta, and the influences of Ancient Greece on the western world.

This will include looking at the Greeks as the first dentists, which will links into learning how to care for teeth and what happens if you do not.

An experiment will be held as part of this research with boiled eggs placed in a variety of liquids – some sugary, some not – to see what effect they have on the egg shells. Pupils will also create a bottom jaw and shape different types of teeth in plasticine.

Head of Year 4 Billie Danson said: “It is a fascinating and exciting period of history to explore.

“The introduction ‘wow day’ to the topic has inspired our children to find out more about the important role of Ancient Greece in its day, and also the impact it has made on lives right up to the present day.”

Get all the latest news, updates and things to do in your local InYourArea feed.