This week, Year 5 students embarked on an exciting historical journey to learn about Alexander the Great, one of history’s most famous figures. Our classroom was buzzing with curiosity and debate as we explored whether Alexander truly deserved the title of “Great.”
To begin, we delved into multiple secondary sources to gather information about Alexander’s life and achievements. We examined his early years, his military campaigns, his efforts to spread Greek culture, and the legacy he left behind. These sources provided us with a balanced view, showcasing both his remarkable accomplishments and the controversies surrounding his actions.
After building our knowledge, we divided into teams for a lively debate. Each team was tasked with arguing either for or against the statement: “Alexander the Great was a brilliant man.” The room transformed into a courtroom of ideas as students presented their arguments, supported by evidence from our research.
Those in favor highlighted his military genius, his ambition in creating one of the largest empires the world has ever seen, and his contributions to spreading culture and knowledge. On the other hand, the opposing side challenged these ideas by pointing out the destruction and suffering caused by his conquests, as well as questioning his motives and methods.
The debate was tense yet respectful, with students showcasing excellent teamwork, critical thinking, and oracy skills. Everyone participated with passion, and it was clear how much effort had gone into preparing their points. By the end of the activity, we all had a deeper understanding of why Alexander remains a complex and debated figure in history.
