Pupils visit a bygone era

SCHOOLCHILDREN took a 500-year journey back in time as they studied the ancient Aztecs of middle America.

Pupils at Glebe Middle School, Southwick, enjoyed a colourful presentation about the Aztecs, thanks to Mexicolore, a London-based educational group which specialises in Mexico and the Aztecs.

Events last Tuesday included a slide show, workshop and drama, dance and music sessions themed around the Aztecs and their empire, which was destroyed by Spanish invaders half a millennium ago.

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Children recreated a market scene, which would have been typical of Aztec life, where products were traded with the currency of cocoa beans.

They also took part in a traditional ritual ball game, called "tlachtli", which the Aztecs would have played. The only difference for the schoolchildren was that the winners did not have to be sacrificed to the gods.

The grand finale was a music and dance spectacle involving all the youngsters.

Pauline Davies, year-five leader at the school, said: "The presentation was absolutely amazing. The children have learned so much about the Aztecs and how they lived their lives, but, at the same time, had so much fun. History really came to life."

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