OtherWise Education

THE ILIAD PROJECT

Creativity. Culture. Rigour. Laughter.

The Iliad Project introduces children and young people to one of the most ancient and timeless stories - Homer's 'The Iliad', the tale of the Trojan War. Jonny's whole-class retelling draws out the drama, rivalry and philosophy.

It is shared with pupils in a way that is memorable, entertaining and age-appropriate.

Through engaging with extracts from Homer's 'The Iliad' as well as storytelling, role-play, writing-in-role and analysing paintings, children learn of a rich interpretation of one of the oldest stories of European civilisation.

The focus of the project is on developing deep enquiry, philosophical discussion and analytical skills. I make it very fun too - unashamedly so. Drawing out the strangeness of the story, with comedic retelling, all children will be able to access the story, and enjoy doing so.

Our interpretation of the story explores the tales of the Apple of Discord, the Marriage of Helen and the Birth of Achilles, and uses these three strands to preface the events of the Trojan War.

Pupils in Years 5 and 6 will engage with extracts of the Homeric text and learn high level comprehension strategies, as well as develop techniques of storytelling and art appreciation. Through lively facilitation, children freely take roles within the narrative and the project is a great vehicle for the development of students' oracy and performance.

The sessions all build on each other, and regular questioning and quizzing ensures children can manage the ambitious and very rewarding task of holding onto the story. Each session draws out key vocabulary - prophecy, oath, pride and wrath - and each session also draws out reflection on key figures in the story. The final session gives children space to go deep into their discussions and reflections, having engaged with a full telling, and we create time for children to re-tell themselves, with a combination of writing and art.

Session One - How The Earth Began

Session Two - Achilles and an Apple

Session Three - Helen and an Oath

Session Four - The Beginning of War

Session Five - Two Proud Men

Session Six - An End to War

I endeavour to get all pupils fully involved in the sessions; speaking, listening, thinking and performing.

Schools that take part in this project currently:

Elmhurst Primary School, Forest Gate

Glade Primary School, Ilford

Nelson Primary School, East Ham

Vicarage Primary School, East Ham

Gallions Primary School, Beckton

Downshall Primarary School, Ilford

Eastbrook Primary Academy, Dagenham

Trinity Academy Akroydon, Halifax

Shiv Nadar School, Noida, India

Note - I also teach the Iliad Project online on Outschool, and have taught it to children worldwide.

You can see parent reviews here.

TESTIMONIALS

"WE HAVE ALL ENJOYED THE ILIAD PROJECT SO SO MUCH. MY CLASS HAS GOT SO MUCH OUT OF THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH YOU; I DON'T THINK THAT A DAY GOES BY WITHOUT YOU OR A DETAIL FROM THE ILIAD BEING MENTIONED.

NOT ONLY HAVE YOU INSPIRED AMAZING WRITING IN OUR CHILDREN, YOU HAVE ALSO SHOWN SUCH WARMTH, EMPATHY AND COMPASSION TO OUR CHILDREN; NEVER JUDGING AND ALWAYS BEING AN ENCOURAGING, CHAMPIONING VOICE."

LISA NAYLOR, TEACHER AND P4C TRAINER AT GALLIONS PRIMARY SCHOOL