Miss Hamalis has been beaming with pride and humming ‘Greece is the Word’ following the assembly which was performed brilliantly by our talented Year 6 pupils. They transported us back in time to Ancient Greece with enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep understanding of the historical context. Making Miss Hamalis feel incredibly nostalgic as she was reminded of her very first year of teaching twenty-one years ago ("wow – time flies!") when she was teaching the same topic to her Year 3 form. 

The assembly commenced with a captivating exploration of the political structures in Ancient Greece, with particular focus on the distinctions between Athens and Sparta. The girls, serving as narrators and characters, brought this historical period to life with commendable enthusiasm. The contrast between the disciplined life of Sparta and the democratic principles of Athens was vividly depicted, capturing the attention of the audience. The dramatic entrance of the Spartan soldiers added an extra layer of authenticity to the portrayal, shedding light on the rigorous training and unique aspects of Spartan society. The girls’ performance effectively conveyed the toughness and military strength inherent in this ancient civilization.

Transitioning seamlessly, the assembly then delved into the realm of gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. The girls embodied various deities with humour and flair, sharing anecdotes about their lives and interactions. The portrayal of the legendary Greek heroes, especially the story of ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’, was both engaging and commendable. The courage and determination of Theseus, along with the clever assistance from Ariadne, left a lasting impression.

In their final moments on stage, our young performers expressed gratitude to the audience, highlighting the relevance of these timeless stories. They encouraged their peers to draw inspiration from the strengths and qualities exhibited by the characters, emphasising the enduring lessons embedded in Ancient Greek mythology.

Incorporating History into our curriculum serves several important educational and developmental purposes:

• Cultural Awareness and Understanding: Learning about history exposes pupils to different cultures, societies and historical events. This helps them to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity in our world.

• Critical Thinking Skills: Studying History encourages critical thinking as pupils analyse past events, their causes and their consequences. It fosters the ability to evaluate evidence, make connections and draw informed conclusions.

• Contextual Understanding: History provides context for the present. By studying historical events, pupils can better understand the development of societies, institutions and systems, which in turn helps them make sense of the world around them.

• Citizenship and Civic Engagement: History education contributes to the development of responsible and informed citizens. It helps pupils understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, as well as the importance of civic engagement in shaping society.

• Teaching Values and Morality: History often presents moral and ethical dilemmas that can prompt discussions about values. It provides opportunities for pupils to explore different perspectives and make judgments about right and wrong.

• Building a Sense of Identity: Studying history helps pupils develop a sense of identity and belonging. Learning about their own cultural and historical heritage fosters a connection to their roots and a sense of continuity with the past.

• Developing Research and Analytical Skills: History requires pupils to engage in research, analyse primary and secondary sources and synthesise information. 

• Promoting Historical Empathy: Through the study of history, pupils develop empathy by understanding the experiences, challenges and triumphs of people from different times and places.

• Preparation for Future Learning: Historical knowledge provides a foundation for understanding more complex topics in later education. It introduces pupils to key concepts, events and ideas that form the basis for more advanced studies in history and related disciplines.

• Communication Skills: History involves storytelling and communication. Pupils develop their ability to express ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally, as they discuss historical events and themes.

Having History in our curriculum contributes to a well-rounded education, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, civic responsibility and a deeper understanding of the world.