FEARED the ancient world over, mythological Medusa’s gaze was said to have turned men to stone.

But at Croft Primary School on Monday youngsters had smiles fixed on their faces by teacher and would-be Gorgan Ioana Scanlon.

The experienced teacher told her 60 Year 3 pupils to ignore the school dress code and come in their best Ancient Greek outfits.

Overseeing the excitement, Ioana dusted off a headdress of writhing plastic snakes – transforming herself from teacher to Medusa.

The two Year 3 classes in the class spent their first day back after half term learning about the Ancient Greeks.

The youngsters were tasked with making a lunchtime Greek Salad snack, researching Greek mythology and drawing classical artefacts.

Ioana, Key Stage Two lead at Croft Primary School, said teachers asked children to dress up when they introduce a new topic.

In September, it was the sinking of the Titanic – but with half term over, the children will spend the next two months learning about the Ancient Greeks.

“When we introduce a new topic we want to stimulate the children with a hook,” said teacher Ioana.

The “hook” in this case, was dressing in their best “Greeks and Gods” tunics then spending the morning researching the history – and the afternoon trying their hand at “Olympic” sports like javelin and discus.

Ioana added: “We want to hook them into the topic and immerse them into their learning.”

Over the term, the children will consider the question “Will you open Pandora’s box?”

In mythology, Pandora is given a box or jar as a wedding present by Greek super-god Zeus. Despite being told not to open it, curious Pandora disobeyed. As she peeked inside she allowed all the earth’s evils into the world – including death, envy and pain. The only thing left inside was hope.

Ioana said: “We will be talking to the children about the values.”

Channelling Pandora, teacher Ioana came as one of the most feared evil creatures in mythology: snake haired Medusa.

“I decided to come as a Gorgon,” she said. “It’s quite funny – and it makes me laugh. It’s just to inspire the children to think outside the box. They can’t quite believe I’ve got snakes coming out of my head.”

All of the Year 3 teachers got into the theme, with teaching assistant Tom Bonehill foregoing a suit and pulling on a toga, wig beard as grey-haired god Zeus.

“I’m really proud of my team,” smiled Ioana.

Student Lara, 7, was dressed as an Athenian noble. She said she was enjoying drawing some replica Greek artefacts.

“I like designing things,” said the girl. Lara said her best invention was a refrigerated vending machine – an object likely to fox the average Ancient Greek.

On the same day, a Year 4 class dressed as tin foil plastered robots took over part of the school for the start of their studies into robotics. Would-be Ancient Greek Vivaan, 7, said: “It’s like the future versus the past.”