Focus on the Olympic games, look at their history and examine how the competitors prepared in those early days. Learn about the modern Olympic games and the values they try to uphold.

Session 1 The first Olympic Games

Objectives

History

  • Continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of Britain, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study.
  • To gain and deploy a historically-grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘civilization’.

Design and Technology

  • Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose.

Lesson Planning

Look at the origins of the Olympic Games and explore the Ancient Greek culture of the day. Imagine what it would have been like for the first athletes as they prepared for competing - try the foods they ate, the rituals they participated in and make komboloi, Ancient Greek worry beads.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • To look at the origins of the Olympic Games and explore the Ancient Greek culture of the day.
  • To imagine what it would have been like for the first athletes as they prepared for competition.

Children will:

  • Look at the origins of the Olympic Games and explore the Ancient Greek culture of the day
  • Imagine what it would have been like for the first athletes as they prepared for competing
  • Make Komboloi, Ancient Greek worry beads

Provided Resources

  • The Ancient Olympics on pottery
  • Research scrolls
  • How to make Komboloi (Ancient Greek worry beads)

You Will Need

  • Olives, figs, other dried fruit, honey, olive oil, cubed feta cheese
  • Dipping bowls
  • Cocktail sticks
  • Thread or string
  • 23 beads per child

Session 2 The First Modern Olympic Games

Objectives

History

  • Continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of Britain, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study.
  • To gain and deploy a historically-grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘civilization’.

Design and Technology

  • Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose.

Lesson Planning

Find out about Baron Pierre de Coubertin and the part he played in establishing the modern Olympic Games. Explore Coubertin's beliefs that sport could bring peace and harmony among countries. Make origami Olympic rings and understand the significance of each ring.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • To find out about the part Baron Pierre de Coubertin played in establishing the modern Olympic Games.
  • To explore Coubertin's beliefs that sport could bring peace and harmony among countries.
  • To make origami Olympic rings and understand the significance of each ring.

Children will:

  • Understand the role Baron de Coubertin played in establishing the modern Olympic Games.
  • Explore Coubertin's beliefs that sport could bring peace and harmony among countries.
  • Make origami Olympic rings and understand the significance of each ring.

Provided Resources

  • About Baron Pierre de Coubertin
  • How to make origami Olympic Rings
  • Moustache template

You Will Need

  • Double-sided sticky tape
  • Black felt-tips
  • Sticky notes
  • Coloured paper
  • Glue sticks

Session 3 The Olympic Movement

Objectives

History

  • Continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of Britain, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study.
  • Gain and deploy a historically-grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘civilization’.

Design and Technology

  • Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose.

Lesson Planning

Look at who supervises the Modern Olympic Games and how they decide the host nation for each Games. Reflect on the Olympic Ideal and the various events within the Olympic Movement. Make a collective Olympic torch in the style of London 2012 and reflect on the need for inclusion and teamwork.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • To examine the organisation of the Modern Olympic Games.
  • To reflect on the Olympic Ideal and the various events within the Olympic Movement.

Children will:

  • Understand more about the International Olympic Movement and how they decide the host nation for each games
  • Reflect on the Olympic Ideal and the various events within the Olympic Movement
  • Make a collective Olympic torch in the style of London 2012, considering the need for inclusion and teamwork

Provided Resources

  • The lighting ceremony from the London 2012 Olympics
  • How to make a London 2012 Olympic Torch

You Will Need

  • Large cone or roll of card for each child
  • Tissue paper
  • Sequin sheets