YEAR 5 children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary in Chippenham, took their history learning outside last week to experience some of the traditional techniques and methods used during the Viking era.

Headteacher Mr Paul Bacon led the outdoor learning in the grounds of the Rowden Hill school and was delighted with how the children engaged and immersed themselves in activities they had not experienced before.

The pupils were taught to build portable, traditional style shelters, exactly as their ancestors would have, using lashing and knotting methods of the time, which proved really popular. “My favourite bit was building the shelters,” said Romeo. The pupils also got to prepare vegetable broth and to cook fish and bread, which they did on an open fire. Abigail said “The whole thing was great fun. I liked the cooking best.”

“It was amazing, as we got to do lots of cool activities,” said Conor. Niamh added: “It was fun learning how to live like a Viking and use the skills they had.”