Viking roars into primary school for historic day

Oak View Academy’s year three class, named Willow Class, welcomed Njal Thorfinnson, who swept up the fascinated pupils with his tales and fascinating facts about Nordic life.

Njal took them on an epic journey to the high seas in Viking longboats this week, and taught them skills like fire building, the art of bartering and trading and shared some rare historical artefacts.

He said: “It is fantastic for the children. They get to experience what it’s like to be a Viking. It is to inspire them in lessons.

“It’s mainly based on archaeology and sagas and there are elements from other Vikings. I take them back in time to Viking times.”

Njal is part of The Vikings, a Dark Age reenactment society who travel across the country educating children of the ways of old.

For their special visit, the children of Oak View Academy created their own authentic costumes at home and arrived at school ready for a day full of adventure and fun.

“They were fantastic. For a year thee class to be introduced to a Viking, they were very brave," Njal said.

“People think of Vikings and they think of violence, but I teach the kids that violence is not the answer, that making friends is.

“Sometimes the children come heavily armed and I have to explain that it is better to make alliances than it is to make enemies.”

The children have been learning all about Vikings and their way of life over the last few weeks, so Njal’s visit was a thrilling end to the rich history they had learnt in class.

Willow Class teacher Sian Walker said: “This was a great way to bring all that learning to life in a fun and informative way.

“Njal captured the children’s imagination from the minute he arrived on our shores and kept them entertained all day.”

Oak View Academy headteacher, Fiona Rimmer, said: "It was wonderful to see the children of Willow Class so engaged in their Viking adventure.

“It's very special to be able to bring a topic to life for them in this way.”