History came alive at Exeter School this week as our Form One pupils travelled back nearly 2,000 years for an unforgettable Roman Day. From soldier training to shield-building, the day gave every child the chance to step into the sandals of an Ancient Roman – and they rose to the challenge with real enthusiasm.
Stepping Into the Sandals of a Roman Soldier
Form One pupils spent the day discovering exactly what life looked like for a Roman soldier. They didn’t just read about it – they lived it. Each child created their own Roman soldier identity, thinking carefully about who they might have been if they’d marched with the legions almost two millennia ago.
This kind of immersive, first-person learning helps young pupils understand history not as a list of dates, but as a story about real people. At Exeter School, we believe this is exactly how a love of learning begins.
Shields Up: Hands-On History in Action
No Roman soldier went into battle without a shield, and our pupils learned why. Throughout the day, they explored how Roman shields were used for defence, discovering the strategy and teamwork behind ancient warfare. Building and using their own shields gave pupils a genuinely hands-on understanding of Roman military life — the kind of learning that sticks long after the school bell rings.
Costumes, Creativity and Confidence
Roman Day wouldn’t be complete without the costumes, and Form One did not disappoint. Pupils arrived dressed as soldiers, citizens and characters straight from Ancient Rome, each outfit as inventive as the last. Staff loved seeing the pupils’ imagination shine through, and the sense of pride was clear on every face.
Days like this do more than teach history – they build confidence, spark creativity, and encourage pupils to try something new in front of their friends.
Why Experiential Learning Matters at Exeter School
At Exeter School, we know that children learn best when they’re engaged, active and having fun. Roman Day is a wonderful example of our broader approach to education: bringing the curriculum to life through experience, not just explanation. Whether it’s Ancient Rome, a science experiment or a creative project, our Form One pupils are encouraged to explore, question and discover for themselves.
It was a brilliant day of history, teamwork and imagination – and one that Form One will be talking about for a long time to come.
