Year 5’s Viking Investigations

Year 5 have been bringing history to life through their fascinating topic, ‘Were the Vikings raiders or traders?’

Creative tasks have encouraged pupils to research and design authentic Viking shields, construct their own shields using recycled materials and write secret messages in Viking runes along the sides of axes, swords and spears.

Atlas, globe and map work has taken them in the footsteps of the Vikings as they traced trade routes across Europe and discovered the exotic goods they bought and sold, from saffron to walrus tusks.

The adventures of fiery explorers, such as Leif the Lucky and Eric the Red, have helped pupils appreciate their remarkable skill as sailors and adventurers. In those days, you could be blown off course at sea and discover a whole new country.

Their learning has also explored the mind-boggling world of Norse mythology, sparking a lively debate about whether Odin made the right decision to sacrifice his eye for wisdom, and how on earth Thor’s goats could be eaten and then bought back to life. This week, pupils have turned their attention to the big question: why was King Alfred known as ‘The Great’?

Through hands-on activities, independent research and plenty of thoughtful debate, Year 5 are discovering that the Vikings were much more than fearsome raiders.

Thanks to Mrs Luxton for the brilliant write-up and photos.