On Thursday 9th June, the students of Poplar and Elm Class (Year 3) went on a field trip to the famous Museum of London. The purpose of this educational visit was to enhance their learning of the Term 3 History topic, The Romans.
The Roman London gallery featured an impressive display of artefacts (e.g. coins, sculptures, busts, weighing scales, etc.), maps and other learning materials for the children to study and engage with. It enabled them to take a step back in time to old London, or Londinium as it was known in Roman times, and learn about this city as it was in ancient times.
The day also included an encounter with a man named Marcus (see pictures) who once fought in the Roman army. Marcus gave an entertaining and informative spiel about the time he spent serving the Empire, as well as the structure and features of Roman society.
Through Marcus, the children learnt how people were placed into three categories in Roman society: citizens, freeman and slaves. The key to knowing what social strata a person belonged to was the number of names they possessed—three, two or one. Also, the place of females in society was introduced. Girls generally married young in Roman Times and had limited options in life. Hopefully the girls of Year 3 at John Perryn are now grateful that they live in more liberal times!
The language of the Roman period, of course, was Latin. Marcus introduced a few words to the students, including salve (hello) and vale (goodbye), which the students were able to practice with the noble Roman. They also learnt about the importance of body gestures, such as placing one hand up and the other on your heart to show another person you are unarmed.
All in all, it was great start to their latest History topic. London certainly was a different place a few millennia ago!
A big thank you to the parent helpers: Mr Mosanya, Mrs Gruszewicz, Mrs Syed, Mrs Kanchevska, Mrs Gwyther and Emma.