In this series of audio resources pupils will learn eight songs exploring the history and people of Ancient Rome. The series offers a rich mix of musical skills in performing with voices and simple classroom instruments, body-percussion and listening.
Full details of the content can be found in the Teacher's Notes.
1. Signals! audio
The first song in the series explores the use of Roman instruments to convey battle signals.
2. Is that a fact? audio
Exploring the historical truth behind some well-known Roman stories.
3. Boudicca! audio
Exploring Boudicca and the revolt of the British tribes against the Romans.
4. Oh, the strata of society. audio
Exploring the layers of Roman society...from Emperor down to slave.
5. Spin that coin. audio
Finding out about Roman games, pastimes and everyday activities.
6. Roman gods and goddesses. audio
Exploring the pantheon of Roman gods and goddesses.
7. Into the arena. audio
The song explores Roman entertainments...including the gladiators.
8. Make a mosaic. audio
Exploring Roman arts and crafts, including mosaics and pottery.
9. Rehearsal and performance 1. audio
Rehearse the first four songs of Romans using the full-vocal and backing track versions.
10. Rehearsal and performance 2. audio
Rehearse the last four songs from Romans using the full-vocal and backing track versions.
Teacher's Notes - guidance on the series. document
Download / print (pdf)
Introduction
With the help of the messenger-god, Mercury, we travel in time and space to hear the sounds of ancient Roman environments: the markets, the forum, the theatre, the baths, the chariot races, the gladiator fights and a villa in the countryside.
Along the way we explore a wealth of stories - some true, some imagined: Romulus and Remus, Boudicca, Pompeii - as well as some of Rome’s Emperors, beliefs, gods, goddesses and mythical creatures.
There are also suggestions for combining the songs with dance, drama, artwork, sets and costumes in exciting performances for other classes and parents.
The full-vocal and backing track versions of each of the songs can be downloaded from the individual programme pages.
The songs also feature as videos in our collection called Rocking Romans! and the songs also feature in our play specially-written for primary schools, also called Rocking Romans!
You can find KS2 Dance resources on the topic Romans here and KS2 History resources here.
