Year 3 Step Back in Time to Ancient Egypt

Year 3 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable start to their new history topic this week as they took part in an exciting Ancient Egyptian workshop led by Mr Cadle, the History Man. Our Chapel was transformed into Ancient Egypt, creating the perfect setting for a truly immersive learning experience.

The session began with an introduction to the geography of Egypt, where pupils discovered why the River Nile was so important to everyday life. They learnt how it provided water for crops, supported travel and trade, and played a vital role in sustaining communities in an otherwise dry and arid landscape.

Mr Cadle brought the topic vividly to life with his enthusiasm and storytelling. The children were fascinated to learn about the Rosetta Stone and how it helped historians unlock the meaning of Ancient Egyptian writing, known as hieroglyphics. They were intrigued to discover that the word “hieroglyphics” comes from Ancient Greek, meaning “sacred carvings”.

The workshop also gave pupils the opportunity to experience aspects of daily life in Ancient Egypt. They explored a variety of toys and games similar to those played today, including versions of draughts, jacks and noughts and crosses. Many pupils enjoyed trying to beat Mr Cadle in these ancient games. Creativity was also a highlight of the session, as the children made their own clay scarab beetles and ushabti figures. Some pupils even had the chance to dress in traditional Egyptian-style clothing, helping them imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago.

The workshop concluded with an introduction to the process of mummification, where pupils learnt about the careful and detailed methods used to wrap a mummy. This sparked great curiosity and excitement as the class looks forward to exploring this fascinating aspect of Ancient Egyptian life later in the term.

It was a truly engaging and memorable experience that brought history to life and has left Year 3 eager to learn even more about the wonders of Ancient Egypt.