History Highlights
Y6 Viking Visitor
Year 6 were visited by a special guest—an Anglo- Saxon monk—who captivated the pupils with the harrowing tales of the Viking raid on Lindisfarne and the destruction left in its wake. His vivid storytelling brought to life the fear and chaos experienced during that time.
The pupils then took part in a hands-on archaeological dig, where they used metal detectors and magnifying glasses to uncover artefacts. They carefully examined their findings and sorted them into chronological order.
Following the dig, the pupils gathered in the hall to explore a fascinating array of Viking weaponry, helmets, and artefacts unearthed from Viking graves. They were able to see first-hand the tools and objects that were part of Viking life and warfare.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to Viking runes. The pupils were challenged to translate inscriptions, which included messages of gratitude, memorials for the fallen, and even curses directed at those who had wronged the writer.
The day ended on a high note with a competitive round of the traditional Viking game Kubb. The pupils had great fun as they faced off against one another, making it a thrilling and memorable end to a day full of learning and adventure.
Year 5 Stone Age Trip
On Thursday 5th October 2023, Year 5 travelled back in time to the Stone Age at Outback2Basics. The children were fully immersed in the history of the era, even dressing up as Stone Age people from different periods of this fascinating time.
We explored the various animals that might have been hunted and how every part of their bodies was used—fur for clothing, bones for tools, teeth for jewellery, and even bladders for water pouches! The children learned how Stone Age people moved in the dark and discovered the clever use of 'fat lamps' made from clay. After this, they made their own lamps, ready to write a set of instructions.
It was a fantastic day, full of hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences!
Year 4 Anglo Saxon Visitor
On Monday 10th October, Year 4 were treated to a special visit from Adam, an expert in Anglo-Saxon history. The day began with thrilling (and sometimes gruesome!) tales of Anglo-Saxon battles, followed by the chance to try on authentic armour and helmets. After a short break, the children became archaeologists for the day, hunting for artefacts using real metal detectors and even playing the traditional Anglo-Saxon game, Nine Men’s Morris.
In the afternoon, the fun continued as the children honed their archery skills and worked together to form a shield wall to defend against imaginary enemies. It was a brilliant day, full of excitement, hands-on learning, and fascinating insights into Anglo-Saxon life. Year 4 learned so much and had a fantastic time!
Year 2 Trip to the Black Country Museum
As part of our Bostin Black Country topic, the children had an enriching visit to the Black Country Museum, where they immersed themselves in the region's fascinating industrial heritage. The day began with an exploration of the museum’s historic shops and houses, offering the pupils a glimpse into the Victorian era.
They enjoyed a film in the museum’s cinema, and experienced a Victorian classroom, where the children had the opportunity to understand the differences between education then and now.
The children had a fantastic day filled with hands-on learning and new experiences, but they were equally glad to return to their own classrooms at Lyng Primary School, reflecting on how far education has come since those times!
Year 1 Trip to Oak House
As part of our spontaneous outdoor learning, the children enjoyed a fascinating art lesson at Oak House, linking creativity with history. The lesson began with an exploration of what buildings in London would have looked like around the time of the Great Fire in 1666. Pupils learned about the architectural styles of the period and the factors that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Inspired by this historical backdrop, the children then turned their attention to Oak House itself, sketching the building as they imagined what similar structures might have looked like during the 17th century. The activity allowed them to combine their knowledge of the past with their artistic skills, bringing history to life through drawing.
EYFS – How do we change over time?
Since embarking on our learning journey in Reception, we have explored a wonderful selection of books, including ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance,’ ‘A Very Strange Creature,’ and ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea.’ These stories have not only introduced us to fascinating jungle animals and their unique traits.
Reflecting on the uniqueness of these animals, we then turned our focus to consider our own individual journeys. Pupils looked at their baby photos, discussing how they have changed over time. To further this exploration of identity, they used mirrors to examine their features and created self-portraits, celebrating their personal growth and development. This approach helped them connect the past with the present.
Black History Month 2024
As part of our Black History Month celebrations, students have been learning about the lives and legacies of key historical figures, including Rosa Parks, Mary Seacole, Florence Price, Pablo Fanque, Harriet Tubman, and Betty Campbell. These remarkable individuals have made significant contributions to history, and their stories teach us valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and the fight for justice.
We have also enriched our curriculum by including other notable figures in the historical periods we study, reflecting the diversity of world history. This ensures our students gain a more inclusive and representative understanding of the past, recognising the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.
Remembrance Day
As part of our Remembrance Day tradition, each class has taken the time to create their own poppy wreath or piece of poppy art. These beautiful tributes were thoughtfully designed by the pupils to honour the memory of those who served in the armed forced.
On Remembrance Day at 11 am, each class will place their wreath or artwork outside their classroom for a moment of reflection and silence. This simple act serves as a collective reminder of the significance of the day and encourages our pupils to reflect on the importance of peace and remembrance.