As part of their adventure exploring the world of Vikings, children at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs have created their own longships.

After discovering how the invaders sailed to Britain in the distinctive vessels renowned for speed and ability to traverse vast distances, the Year 6 group worked in pairs using a range of materials to design a miniature model of their own.

This included making the long flat bottomed hull, oars, shields and distinctive red and white sails.

It was part of their thematic curriculum topic 'My Home, My Country', in which they explored significant figures and events of history after the Roman withdrawal from Great Britain in AD 410.

Pupils were engrossed as they found out about Viking raids, where they conquered and why they were successful. They created their own maps to show where the invaders settled and why they stayed, and explored a range of Anglo-Saxon and Viking leaders to consider what made them successful.

They also delved into a variety of sources to consider how we know about the Vikings and whether any of our sources could be biased.

Katie Vary, Head of Year 6, said: “By engaging in hands-on learning, the children not only honed their teamwork skills but also developed an understanding of the engineering principles behind these historic ships.”

Head of School Darci Arthur said: “Studying the heritage and culture of the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons has given an interesting and informative insight into how they influenced the way this country developed. It also embraced a range of educational learning and skills including geography, art, history, and design technology for Year 6 pupils who were enthusiastically engaged with this topic.”

Upton Junior School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Chilton Primary School and Ramsgate Arts Primary School.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.