This afternoon, year 4 spent some time looking at photos from the past of the local area. The children really seemed to enjoy looking at these and were straight away making comparisons to what it is like now.
We then had a discussion starting with what we saw in the photos, before moving on to how things have changed. The children spoke lots about how they think the local area looks a lot neater now than it did before and seems to be more looked after.
Year 4 have started to look at the history of the local area. We have started off the week looking at names of the local area and where these names originally came from. We discussed Bells Farm, Druids Heath and The Maypole and even looked at pictures of these places from the past! The children’s job was to compare these photos to what the places are like now. The children found this lesson very interesting and can’t wait to find out more!
Year 4 Robins started their Humanities topic on Ancient Greece today.
They wrote down what they already know and then put down some questions they would like answered by the end of the topic.
It will be interesting to find out answers to these as well as all the others.
Well done Robins.
Year 4 Robins march around Lunt, the archaeological Roman Fort in Coventry. The trip took place on Friday 22nd June 2018.
Robins have enjoyed being Roman soldiers today, as they marched around Lunt, the archaeological Roman Fort in Coventry.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by Frances who demanded a password to see whether we were friends or enemies. All the class practised soldier drills and learnt marching techniques and vocabulary.
Next everyone put on tunicas and were taught how to use a gladius and shield correctly. After that, the children marched to the gyrus to brush up on their army formation, using shields as a barrier to defend enemies. This is the only known gyrus in the Roman Empire so we were very privileged to see and stand in it! Once the children had perfected their technique, they were taken by surprise and attached by the enemy (Mrs Parry, Mrs Sargant and Miss Sargant), whom they surrounded… until they surrendered! As the children had been so well behaved, they were allowed to battle in pairs!
We were lucky with the weather and all enjoyed eating our lunch outside in the sunshine!
After lunch, Robins marched outside the fort to become Celts. They discovered how Romans designed the fort with an “ankle breaker” ditch and scattered caltrops in the grass.
Everyone was excited to go up the stairs to see the view that the Romans had from the fort. We heard all about Boudicca and her revolt.
We visited the site of the barracks where soldiers lived and heard how they slept in bunk beds, and all washed and went to the toilet together! We also saw what Romans used instead of toilet paper (which was also shared!)
Finally, the children went up into the granary to learn about the armour that soldiers wore. Shayla and Christos dressed up in full costume!
Everyone really enjoyed the day and absorbed lots of new information by being immersed in a full Roman experience. There was plenty of active listening and concentration!
Frances the leader, was extremely impressed with the behaviour so well done to Robins who were a real credit to Bells Farm school.
Robins began their Romans topic last week by considering why people nowadays, move away from the place they were born.
They went on to discover the reasons Romans left where they lived to invade Britain. These were:
On Friday afternoon, Robins visited Bells Farmhouse to found out more about the history of this fantastic Grade II listed building, quite literally on our doorstep!
They had a tour around all the rooms, beginning in the Primrose room after a climb up the steep stairs! Robins were careful whilst climbing the narrow stairs and were inquisitive about every door and room! As Robins are currently writing warning tales in English, they thought this might be a good place for the story setting! There were lots of exposed beams in the timber building and quite a few fireplaces too. Some observant pupils spotted the window frames were alive with ladybirds. There were lots!
Robins found out that Bells Farmhouse is a 17th century Grade II listed building, originally having a hall, best parlour, brewing house, cellar and several fireplaces. It was owned by the Field family who were thought to be a wealthy family.
In the 1980, fires were started deliberately by vandals which gutted the interior and damaged the timber. In 1988 it was the winner of the Country House awards and was presented with an engraved glass bowl by the Earl of Caithness.
Today, the farmhouse is well used by many members of the community for courses, teaching, meetings, church , activities and clubs.
The children were treated to squash and biscuits before being allowed to look at lots of old photographs of the building over various time periods. They also saw a watercolour painting of the building and made links to their current Art lessons!
Besides enjoying an interesting trip to the Sikh temple this morning, Robins have “virtually” travelled around the world this afternoon. The children were truly amazed to visit the Seven Wonders of the World, the Egyptian pyramids and Sphinx, the ocean and outer space. Using special visual equipment provided by Google, children were able to look around all these places in 360 degree format. This was such a fantastic experience!
Robins were eager to paint and decorate their Greek vases this afternoon! We watched a film first as inspiration and looked at some real Greek plates. Then it was time to get creative. It was a tricky task to hold the delicate vases whilst trying to paint intricate detail. As the pieces were painted we thought about the learning behaviours we were using without even realising. These included active listening, perseverance, concentration and creativity!
Year 4 Robins are finishing their Ancient Greek topic this week and have been learning about typical foods that were eaten.
This morning, Robins all made pitta bread which they later enjoyed eating along with grapes, black and green olives, feta cheese, chick peas, figs, wholemeal pitta bread, peppers, cucumber (….and Greek dips!).
