Westlands Primary School
A member of Swale Academies Trust
Interim Headteacher: Mrs L Hopkins
Deputy Headteacher: Mr B Broughton
Homewood Avenue
Sittingbourne
Kent ME10 1XN
Tel: 01795 470862
Fax: 01795 477886
e-mail: [email protected]
Press News
Ancient Greeks at Westlands Primary School
On Tuesesday 24th February, Westlands Primary School was invaded by an entire hoard of Ancient Greeks (actually
Year 6 dressed up as such).
This was part of the Year 6 topic of Ancient Greece, which the Year 6 pupils have been studying for the past two
terms. The pupils have been learning all about the Ancient Greek culture, particularly such things as how ordinary
Ancient Greeks lived their daily lives, what their diets consisted of, their famous individuals and, of course, their
myths.
As part of their Topic, the Year 6 pupils have been focusing their learning on Ancient Greece and have created their
own Greek pots, comedy/tragedy masks and writing their own Greek myths by imagining original heroes and
monsters.
The pupils have also enjoyed a Greek food tasting session, in which they sampled the flavours of feta cheese, olives,
hummus, taramasalata and much more. As well as this, the pupils had the original experience of being filmed as they
took part in a debate of Athenians versus Spartans, which will be shown to parents later this term as part of their
Greek Museum.
However, the main event of this Tuesday was the visit from Mike Everest of Portals to the Past (an organisation
which visits schools with various props and artefacts from a certain period of world history) who came to teach the
pupils all about the Ancient Greeks.
In this experience the pupils were treated to taking part in Odyssey – particularly the smashing of the Argo through
dangerous rocks of the island of the Harpies.
Mike Everest conducted a superb play of the pupils in their parts as sailors, heroes, Gods and Harpies, and educated
Year 6 in the art of Greek war by demonstrating how a real Greek spear, sword, shield and armour was used.
Assistant Headteacher and Year 6 Teacher Rachel Moodie spoke of the importance of the day for the children: “Days
like this are so much fun for the children. They have made a fantastic effort with their Greek outfits and have learnt
so much from Portals to the Past. The opportunity to learn this way is essential for the children to truly appreciate
aspects of their Topic the children won’t get to in class – like holding a very heavy Greek shield! All together a
wonderful day for learning and fun!”.
Year 6 pupil Thomas (aged 11) spoke of the fun of the day: “It was so much fun when we were doing our quizzes on
Greece and the Gods! Being part of the Argo-crew was great as the walls (other pupils) came crashing in and we had
to move out of the way in time!”.
More Follows
Westlands Primary School is a creative learning environment where all children are supported to achieve their best.
Trust Principal: Mr J Whitcombe MA
Executive Headteacher, Primaries: Mr M Wilson
Swale Academies Trust Registered Office: Ashdown House Johnson Road Sittingbourne Kent ME10 1JS
Registered in England No. 7344732
Westlands Primary School
A member of Swale Academies Trust
Interim Headteacher: Mrs L Hopkins
Deputy Headteacher: Mr B Broughton
Homewood Avenue
Sittingbourne
Kent ME10 1XN
Tel: 01795 470862
Fax: 01795 477886
e-mail: [email protected]
Notes to Editor
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The event took place on Tuesday 24/02/15 at Westlands Primary School.
The event was an Ancient Greek Day for Year 6, with all the pupils dressed as Ancient Greeks. The pupils
were visited for the day by Mike Everest of Portals to the Past who educated the pupils on Ancient Greece
via several artefacts including: a sword, shield, spear and amour.
The Year 6 pupils have spent the past two terms studying the Topic of Ancient Greece and have created
various pieces on the subjects including: pots, masks and their own Greek myths.
Also attached is a photograph featuring (from left to right): Madison (11), Harvey (10) Mike Everest from
Portals to the Past, Lenna (10) and Thomas (11).
For more information on the article, please contact Sam Wood at the following:
Tel: 01795 470862
Mob: 07928248895
Email: [email protected]
ENDS
Westlands Primary School is a creative learning environment where all children are supported to achieve their best.
Trust Principal: Mr J Whitcombe MA
Executive Headteacher, Primaries: Mr M Wilson
Swale Academies Trust Registered Office: Ashdown House Johnson Road Sittingbourne Kent ME10 1JS
Registered in England No. 7344732