What a wonderful week Class 2 has had exploring Anglo-Saxon shields! The pupils spent a fabulous afternoon discussing and learning about the shields, before a day making their own versions, diving deep into the history and purpose of these fascinating artefacts.
We began by discussing shields and the differences between them, exploring the meanings behind colour choices and the materials the Anglo-Saxons used. It was brilliant to see the children discover that shields were essential in battle – used to create a defensive ‘shield wall’ and to protect warriors as they threw their javelins. Most Anglo-Saxon shields were made from different types of wood, as there was plenty of this material in Britain. The most common design featured many planks packed together in a circular shape, and some were covered with an extra layer of leather to make them stronger. The wealthier Anglo-Saxons would sometimes cover theirs with metal, like bronze, for added strength.
What really impressed us was how the children then spent a whole day creating and making their own shields. Each design was unique and thoughtful, with pupils carefully explaining their choice of colours and materials. It was amazing to see the variety and creativity on display – no two shields were the same, and each child had clearly considered what their design represented. This is learning at its very best: children engaging with history, making connections, and creating something they can be truly proud of.
