Thame primary school invaded by Vikings !

RECENTLY, The Year Four children of John Hampden School, Thame, had the wonderful experience of being a Viking for the day – including a visit from a Lindisfarne ‘monk’ who recounted an invasion of his island by marauding Norsemen!

The children dressed in fabulous costumes, got to use a range of deadly weapons (foam based) and even took part in a terrifying raid themselves.

The day started with a visit from ‘Monk Athelstan’. He told the children about the frightening day when his monastery on Lindisfarne was invaded by the Norsemen. He told them of how they rampaged through the village stealing, plundering and burning down homes. Monk Athelstan was then taken as a slave by the brute, Ragnar Lothbrok. The children were then asked to write a diary about the events that occurred.

The children were then taught about the different weapons that would have been used during battle. They were shown how to use these and told how to create shield walls and battle formations in order to stay alive. Having learnt this, the children were than able to use this knowledge to go and raid the Year Three classes – which certainly too the Year Three children by surprise! Their school supplies were stolen and even some children taken!

To finish the day, the children were given the opportunity to battle with each other, each child choosing a weapon and using it to combat their enemy.

“The day was a superb educational experience,” said Teacher Melanie Schleising, Chair of John Hampden School’s PFTA, “and really brought learning to life. We would like to say a great big thank you to Mr Haigh for returning to school and becoming our Monk ,and also Mr Eyre on supplying the costumes, weapons and running a brilliant day.”