This year is the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. As part of Year 1's Discover topic, we made connections with their indoor learning by designing miniature scale models of buildings using, ironically enough, charcoal; making a wattle and daub panel and researching the materials that proved so combustible that hot summer's day in 1666; and as a fiery finale, setting fire to Pudding Lane and the surrounding streets, while learning about the Fire Triangle and fire safety generally.

Straw, wood and the other plant-based building materials (paper and cardboard) rapidly went up in flames.  Hopefully the children's discussions and writing in class will draw on this first-hand experience.