Children Learn History Through Musical Plays

History lessons for Years 3 and 4 were dramatically brought to life with the pupils starring in their own production of The Ancient Egyptians and The Vikings this week.

The Ancient Egyptians musical saw children from the Young Archaeologists’ Club visit Egypt and take part in an exciting quest to solve clues. They enter the world of ancient Egypt and uncover facts about mummies, hieroglyphics, Pharaohs, pyramids and the River Nile.  We particularly loved the Egyptian dancing and the song Make a Mummy with the children wrapping up others with toilet paper.  There were also great comedy one liners and references to modern times – when the children were talking about gifts they could give to the Pharaoh one said “I’ve got a bit of chewing gum and a 2p coin.”

The Vikings show started with the Viking men and their sons preparing for a voyage in their long boat with one being afraid of what was ahead.  This show again was a mixture of great songs, dancing and big Viking chants.  There was also some great acting, particularly the scene when one Viking got hit with the hammer and he fell in brilliant slow motion.

Charlie who played the Viking Father said, “I was the alpha Viking so I had to wear a big helmet which was made of metal, the others had paper helmets, so it made it more difficult to hear and act with it on.”  Florence added, “I learnt most of the things about the Vikings.  I didn’t know for example that Viking ships were also the same thing/word for a long boat.”

Alice O’Sullivan, Head of Humanities and Drama said, “It’s my first year at St Marys so I brought both subjects together and so this whole term the lessons have been combined and they learned history through song, dance and a show.  I think the children have managed to remember lots more facts through the songs and through physically doing it.  They’ve loved doing it and had great fun.  They also helped make lots of the props – they made the Viking helmets and learnt about those and they made the scrolls and some of the Egyptian costumes.  It’s really brought history to life.”