Inspired by: Greek Myths - Week 1

Delving into the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, students are encouraged to explore the ancient Greeks' reverence for fire, believed to be a gift from the mythical Prometheus. Fire's sacred qualities are examined, prompting the children to identify its multifaceted roles: as a protector through warmth, a provider through cooking, a cleanser by burning waste, a guide through signalling light, and a community builder as people gather around it. The task challenges students to distil the essence of fire into just three words, such as LIGHT, WARMTH, and ENERGY. Further discussions stimulate the imagination as they consider the stark impact of a world devoid of fire, pondering the profound consequences on civilisation. Symbolism of fire extends beyond the physical, touching on emotions like anger and fear, yet in the context of the Olympic Flame, it epitomises peace.

The significance of the Olympic Flame as a peace symbol is further explored through a BBC report on the London Olympics 2012. Students are tasked with text marking to identify the central message of each paragraph and phrases that allude to peace. Through collaborative work, they propose new titles for the report, leading to a class discussion on the merits of each suggestion. The lesson extends beyond the classroom as students research historical instances where sport bridged divides, such as the 1914 WW1 Christmas truce football match. They delve into the role of modern Olympics and organisations like 'Sports for Peace' or 'Right To Play', which leverage sport to foster peace and development in disadvantaged areas. The activity culminates in crafting a newspaper article titled 'Sport has the capacity to promote peace', encapsulating the transformative power of sportsmanship.