AHEAD of the Olympics, to be held in Athens next month, pupils at Fordingbridge Junior School have been going Greek.

The children, who have been studying ancient Greece this term, took part in a living history day, wearing appropriate costumes as they played out Greek theatre and held political debates.

They even had their own Olympic games, which included chariot-racing, and discus and javelin throwing.

Headteacher Jonathan Hannam said: "A day like this gives the children first-hand experience of what life in a historical period was really like.

"It brings history alive by making it exciting and interactive. Children will learn more on a day like this than by reading text books or completing worksheets."

The school held living history days in other year groups too, with Year 3 pupils taking part in a mock evacuation as part of a World War II topic and Year 5 enjoying a Tudor banquet.

It has been a very busy and exciting term for pupils at the school.

During the past six weeks, all the children have taken part in weekly music lessons, using genuine West African drums and percussion instruments, on loan from Hampshire music service.

The special workshops culminated in a performance by Year 4 pupils in front of parents and the rest of the school.

The school's music manager and deputy, Rachel Raine, said: "We are thrilled for the children to have the opportunity to experience the power and rhythm of drumming and to be able to learn and perform African music as part of a whole class ensemble."

More than 200 children also paid a visit to Longleat last week, to take part in a preview of the attraction's newest show, Super Beasts.