Ancient Greek Olympics Lesson Plan
Learning Objective: Pupils can describe the Ancient Greek Olympics and compare them to the modern Games
About this resource
This comprehensive lesson plan for Year 5 History allows pupils to explore the fascinating world of the Ancient Greek Olympics, comparing its traditions and events to the modern Games. Teachers can use this resource to guide an engaging lesson that helps children understand historical sporting events and their lasting legacy. It directly supports the UK National Curriculum's focus on ancient civilisations and historical inquiry.
Starter Activity
10 minutesShow images of the modern Olympics opening ceremony. Ask: 'Did you know the Olympics started over 2,700 years ago in Ancient Greece?' Pupils write 3 things they know about the Olympics and 3 things they want to find out.
Main Activity
30 minutesPart 1: The Ancient Games Teach about the original Olympics: held in Olympia every 4 years, only Greek men could compete, events included running, wrestling, chariot racing, discus, and javelin. Winners received olive wreaths.
Part 2: Comparison Table Pupils complete a comparison table: Ancient vs Modern Olympics (events, who could compete, prizes, location, rules).
Part 3: Mini Olympics Hold a mini classroom Olympics with adapted events: standing long jump, paper discus throw, relay race. Award olive wreath crowns to winners.
Plenary
10 minutesDiscussion: 'What has changed? What has stayed the same? Why do you think the Olympics are still important today?' Pupils write a postcard home as an Ancient Greek athlete describing their Olympic experience.
Differentiation
SEN Support
Pre-filled comparison table with some answers. Visual timeline of Olympic events. Paired support for writing.
EAL Support
Key vocabulary: Olympics, athlete, event, competition, ancient, modern. Visual comparison table. Sentence starters for postcard.
Gifted & Talented
Research a specific Ancient Greek Olympic event in detail. Write a newspaper report about the Ancient Olympics as if they were a journalist.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can describe at least 3 Ancient Olympic events
- Can identify similarities and differences with modern Olympics
- Can explain why the Olympics were important to Greeks