On Friday 7th February, Year 4 headed off to Ufton Court to consolidate their understanding of all things Anglo Saxons! Despite the cold weather, the children engaged enthusiastically with all the tasks and challenges they faced. During the Saxon Skills workshop, the children worked hard as an everyday Saxon, building houses, carding, wattling and spinning sheep wool (realising how long it would have taken to make some wool to make clothes with) as well as using flint and steel to create a spark for a fire. In the Crime and Punishment session, the children took on the role of judge, plaintiffs and priest to listen over the crimes of the day before handing out some serious punishments. Before we left, we worked in teams, exploring different artefacts from the time, trying to work out what they were made from, what they were used for and how valuable they were before selling them “Dragon’s Den” style to our fellow Saxons.

 

Following the trip, staff received a lovely message from those who led the trip at Ufton Court as follows:

 

I don’t normally write to schools after a visit (I certainly don’t always have the time!) but just wanted to share with you some thoughts which I hope will please you... We love our jobs but not every day brings such an enormous amount of fun, enjoyment and satisfaction as we had with St Bede’s today. Your children are wonderful and acquitted themselves superbly throughout the visit – they were sparky, curious, keen and polite with imaginations just fit to bursting. We find children give so much but this is also a credit to you, your staff and your parent helpers – by them engaging and modelling that fun and positive energy you really boosted the experience for all.