Resource #V105032

Précis

Students read information on the history of Combley Villa (on the site of the Robin Hill park), and interpret information known about its features and process of excavation. They can show understanding by responding to questions on the text. An extension task enables them to create their own mosaic.

Contextual Summary

This pre-visit activity enables students to engage with a venue- relevant text, encouraging them to practise their reading and comprehension skills. The main focus of the task is reading for information, and being able to synthesise and summarise their understanding. The task links to specific information about the features of the Roman villa found at Combley (now the site of the park). Students read a fact sheet on the history of the villa including its excavations and discoveries, and they answer questions on the content. The resources available are relevant to students in both lower and upper years of key stage 2 (years 3-6). There is a crossover with the subject History due to the topic contained within the text.

Curriculum Relevance

English → Reading → Understanding Texts

Implementation

This is a peripheral pre-visit resource, which could also be used post- visit if required. Ideally, students complete the activity before they visit. This enables students to not only practise their English skills in reading, but to also gain an enriched view of the subject and venue context as relating to local history, both at the Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens and on the Isle of Wight. Students will hopefully explore the venue with a view to understanding the impact the Romans had on the local and surrounding areas.

Key Skills Practised

• Reading for meaning and information
• Interpretation skills
• Summarising skills

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Completion of the English: Reading - Comprehension resource/s linked to this document

On Site

Activities could be completed on-site if a suitable space could be found, however this resource is designed as a pre-visit classroom or homework activity.

Post-Visit

This task could be completed post-visit if required.

Learning Outcomes

The task will prepare students for visiting the park and gardens as they will have gained an insight into the historical learning they could undertake there, enriching their entire experience.