Year 5: How did Anglo-Saxon London and Baghdad compare in terms of trade, learning, and culture?

Big Question: How did Anglo-Saxon London and Baghdad compare in terms of trade, learning, and culture? This term, our Year 5 children have been working incredibly hard as they explored the rich histories of Anglo-Saxon London and 10th-century Baghdad. Their big question: “How did Anglo-Saxon London and Baghdad compare in terms of trade, learning, and culture?” has inspired thoughtful discussions and deep curiosity across the curriculum. In History, the children investigated these two vibrant centres of early medieval life. They compared Anglo-Saxon society with the thriving Islamic Golden Age, examining how each civilisation approached trade, knowledge and scholarship, cultural expression, and daily life. The children researched Anglo-Saxon artefacts, using e-hive and explored their uses and significance. They also compared the structure and purpose of the Round City of Baghdad with Londinium, identifying key differences in geography, population, architecture, trade routes and cultural development.A highlight of the term was a visit from Past to Present, who delivered an immersive historical workshop. The children took part in hands-on activities including:

• reenacting Anglo-Saxon burials and what they reveal about

beliefs and society

• learning about monasteries and their role in education and religion.
• exploring Anglo-Saxon culture and daily life
• understanding battle preparation and the significance of warrior culture
• preparing elements of a longship, discovering how these vessels were engineered for travel and trade

The day concluded with a lively Anglo-Saxon feast, complete with entertainment, food, role-play, storytelling and a dramatic retelling of Beowulf-bringing their learning vividly to life.In English, the children studied the epic of Beowulf, using it as inspiration to craft their own heroic “defeating the monster” narratives. Their stories showcased impressive imagination, strong characterisation and a growing confidence in descriptive writing.In Art, the children explored the vibrant work of contemporary British artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman, known for her colourful mixed-media portraits. Inspired by her style, the children wrote kennings about

themselves and created expressive self-portraits using collage, chalk, paint, ink, and layered shapes. These stunning artworks will soon be proudly displayed around the school. It has truly been a term full of discovery, creativity and collaboration. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and dedication shown by our Year 5 learners as they connected past civilisations to the wider world and to their own lives today.