In Design and Technology, Year 3 pupils have journeyed back in time to view the architecture of Ancient Greece. They appreciated the magnificence and beauty of the temples built for the Greek gods and goddesses and wondered how such monumental, majestic buildings were built by hand! In particular, they have perused the Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 BC on the Acropolis in Athens, and gained insight into one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Did you know that the Parthenon was constructed from 22,000 tons of marble? All hand carved and assembled by ingenious architects who designed the exterior to communicate visual perfection by recognising the limits of human perception. The middles of the Parthenon’s marble columns are slightly wider than their ends, the lintels curve slightly upward and because a triangular pediment makes columns below it appear to bend outwardly, the Parthenon’s columns are closer to each at their tops than at their bases. These optical design amendments to counter visual perception mean that the perfect Parthenon has no straight lines and few right angles!

The children were also awed by the magnificent, massive statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, that took pride of place inside the Parthenon. Did you know that her armour was made of solid gold? The Parthenon celebrated the accomplishments of the citizens of Athens and fittingly, the children have created eye-catching posters that celebrate their creativity, curiosity and the perfection of the Parthenon!