If the London Eye could talk..
Since the turn of the Millennium, the London Eye has stood tall on the banks of the Thames, overlooking the iconic city of London. Imagine all the events the London Eye has witnessed in this time. Think of all the stories it could tell if it could talk!
OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOMES
The overall aim of this project is for students to develop curiosity and passion for the recent history and culture of London. We want students to not only learn about historical events from the past 25 years but also to feel inspired by and connected to our capital city.
Using the activities, students will learn about a selection of cultural events and celebrations which have taken place in London during the last 25 years since the London Eye was built. They will place these events on a map, discuss their social and historical impact and think creatively about what it would have been like to have attended these events. Finally, students will compose an imaginative description of one of these events from the point of view of the London Eye. Students’ work can be collated into a class book entitled ‘Diary of the London Eye’ which will offer a unique perspective on the recent history of London!
CHILDREN WILL:
- Discover nine key cultural events and celebrations that have taken place in London over the past 25 years and consider their impact and significance.
- Use creative writing, drama, art and design to explore an event from London’s recent history.
- Write a creative description of a cultural event or celebration from the point of view of the London Eye.
SUBJECT CHECKLIST:
English | History | Geography | Drama | Art and Design | Oracy | Citizenship
Classroom Activities
Objectives:
- Identify nine cultural events that have taken place in London since the year 2000.
- Use map skills to mark the location of these events on a map of London.
- Discuss the cultural and historical significance of these events.
Activities: Match up events with facts about them; create a ‘memory map’ of London; discuss the impact and significance of these events.
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Objective:
- Use creative writing, drama, art and design to explore a significant event from London’s recent history.
- Consider the sensory experience of this event and the feelings and emotions it evoked.
Activities: Write a ‘text message’ and draw a ‘photo’; create a collage; design a special commemorative ‘pod’.
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Objectives:
- Compose a creative recount using strong descriptive language to bring an event to life.
- Write imaginatively from an alternative perspective.
- Perform a piece of prose considering the use of tone, pace, expression and body language.
Activities: Compose a creative description of a key cultural event from the point of view of the London Eye; perform in role as the London Eye.
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The activities provide material for at least three, hour-long lessons that can be delivered to the whole class.
The overall outcome of these lessons is a piece of creative writing. Children will describe a cultural event that has taken place in London during the last 25 years from the point of view of the London Eye.
The contents of these lessons have been written for students aged 7–13. They could be differentiated for older age ranges.
Part 4: A classroom in the sky
Take learning beyond the classroom with a school trip to the iconic London Eye. Our 25th anniversary pod plan will encourage students too..
- Imagine all the small moments of life taking place in the city below them
- Use the skyline to locate where significant events took place
- Consider what the view from the London Eye might look like in 25 years time
Download the Pod Plan
Start planning a school trip
There is no better classroom than the extraordinary city of London
