Year 5 pupils at Roger Ascham Primary School enjoyed an extraordinary journey into the past when Rainbow Theatre visited to deliver an action-packed, interactive Viking workshop. Designed to deepen the children's understanding of their history topic, the session transformed the school hall into a bustling Norse world full of drama, discovery, and historical exploration.

Bringing Norse history to life through drama

Led by expert actors from Rainbow Theatre, the children participated in dynamic role-play and theatrical storytelling. Rather than simply listening to historical facts, pupils stepped into the shoes of Viking traders, warriors, and settlers. Through guided scenes, they explored key events of the period, including:

• Longship voyages: Understanding how the Vikings built advanced ships to navigate vast oceans.

• Raids and settlements: Learning about the arrival of Norse seafarers in Anglo-Saxon Britain and their gradual settlement.

• Daily life and culture: Discovering the customs, crafts, belief systems, and family structures of Viking communities.

Active participation and collaborative learning

Every child in Year 5 had the opportunity to take an active role in the performance. By acting out historical scenarios, adopting authentic character perspectives, and working collaboratively with the theatre team, pupils developed a rich, practical understanding of historical context and empathy.

The interactive format allowed children to explore complex historical themes, such as trade, conflict, and cultural integration, in an accessible and memorable way.