In this cross-curricular project, we explored the question ʻWhat would it be like to live like a Roman?ʼ We looked at the architecture and homes of Romans, Roman Gods and Goddesses, Roman food, Gladiators and slaves.
We began the topic with a special visitor called the ʻHistory Manʼ who enabled the children to spend a full day as a Roman. They built catapults, learnt how to light oil lamps, rebuilt the Roman walls and dressed up for epic battles.
We reflected on life during that time and evaluated what the Romans have done for us throughout history. We designed and made our own swords and shields, engaged in drama-led literacy lessons, created our own graphic novels, drew an architectural design for a Roman villa and made and participated in a Roman banquet.
This project enabled our pupils to have cross-curricular experiences and access the topic of interest in all lessons and ensured our children worked as a team to achieve their overall goal. Our therapists enjoyed incorporating Roman life into their therapy sessions as well through making and lacing Roman shoes, playing Merellus in Communication and practising Roman battle games. Overall the pupils were engaged from beginning to end and it was a pleasure to see their eyes light up with each activity! Finally, listening to them share and celebrate their work during the FAB exhibition was memorable for them and for us.
Teacher’s Reflection
“I think as a first project for a group of varied pupils with additional needs, it was a huge success. The children came alive with the interactive Romans day in launch week. They seemed to enjoy the variety of styles of learning and having more control over their own learning. I am incredibly proud of their graphic novels and how much subject knowledge they have absorbed. I also love how enthusiastic they were on the PBL Exhibition day and how much they thrived when other students and teachers came in. If I did it all again, I would ensure the computer programme for graphic novels for the lower attaining was more accessible as the pupils required lots of adult support. Alongside this, I would make sure we had more opportunity to critique our work and improve it with more input from teachers on how to critique.” – Rowan Eggar
Student Reflection
The History Man who visited during launch week was the “best day in history. Even better than my birthday!”
– Josh
“(I loved) our first gallery exhibition in the classroom. I liked showing people around and my stuff!” – Fran “I liked typing up my facts, Iʼm good at computers!”
– Jacob
