Year 4 blog:

Year 4 Roman Day: A Journey Back in Time!

Year 4 stepped into the world of ancient history last week as they celebrated Roman Day—a fun-filled, immersive day at school where pupils arrived dressed as Romans, ready to explore life nearly 2,000 years ago. From legionaries and emperors to goddesses and citizens, the costumes were fantastic and set the tone for an exciting day of learning.

The day began with pupils cracking the code of Roman numerals. They practised reading, writing, and solving problems using the ancient number system, discovering just how influential it still is in modern times.

Next, Year 4 took part in a carousel of activities. They explored how Latin has shaped the English language. They were fascinated to learn how many everyday words—such as aqua, luna, and port—have Latin roots, and how the Roman language continues to influence our vocabulary today. The children then marched into the world of the Roman army. They learned about the organisation of the legions, the importance of discipline, and the powerful defensive formations, such as the famous tortoise. Many pupils enjoyed trying out marching commands and imagining life as a Roman soldier.

A journey into Roman mythology gave the children insight into the beliefs that shaped Roman society. From Jupiter to Venus, they discovered the stories and personalities of the gods and goddesses who played such an important role in Roman daily life. Pupils also explored what life was like in Roman Britain, learning how the Romans changed towns, roads, food, and even bath time! They compared Roman customs with modern life and reflected on what has stayed the same over time.

The children then also took part in a lively Roman sources scavenger hunt. Working in teams, they searched for primary and secondary sources hidden around the classroom, matching each one to the inference it supported. This activity helped them think like real historians—using evidence to uncover the past!