Recently as part of the new curriculum, pupils at Vane Road had the opportunity to step back in time when they had visits from a viking and a Roman soldier.
The viking was a Norse storyteller called Thor Ewing who brought lots of artefacts including furs, weapons, coins, clothing, chainmail and the children gained hands on experience of using them. They recreated a viking court where they then acted as the criminals.
They also sat on the jury for the trial of Thorstein the Viking. Traditional Norse songs were sung and a dance performed to traditional instruments. Corn was ground to make flour and the children learned about food and daily life. There was a re-enactment of a battle and the Y6 pupils learnt about weapons and warfare. The children’s favourite part was when he sliced Miss Sykes’ potato in mid air with his sword and fired an arrow across the hall with his bow.
Y4 were thrilled by the imposing Roman soldier who taught them Latin commands. The children dressed up as soldiers in traditional outfits with swords and shields and learned how to position themselves strategically in a testudo formation.
Travelling even further back in time, Y3 pupils enjoyed learning about the Stone Age from representatives from Durham University History Department who arrived with many interesting artefacts for the children to examine.
Younger pupils also enjoyed a royal visit when the “Queen” called into the Infant Department to chat and spend time with the children.

Romans vanegrain vane