Fire! Fire! Workshop Sparks Interest in the Great Fire
Children from Pre-Prep have set their imagination ablaze following an interactive workshop into the Great Fire of London. Pre-Prep pupils from Cundall Manor School were treated to a day of activities including a 17th Century fire-fighting workshop and investigating the role of the plague doctor in 1666 London. The workshop was led by Real History Alive’s Russell and Dawn Bark. The Derbyshire husband and wife, showcased one of their ten historical and science educational workshops to the youngsters. Schools and museums across the country have joined in the 350th anniversary commemorations of the great fire. Dawn said: “The activities we offer are hand’s on. They get the children to immerse themselves in history and give them a feel for how it was to live in 1666.” The day began with a 45 minute performance which introduced the Great Fire and some of the century’s celebrities including Samuel Pepys, whose memoirs helped detail the fire. Pupils from the school had the exciting task of dressing up in clothes from the era and learning a market square dance. Pre-Prep teacher, Kylie Potter, organised the event. She said: “The children had a great day learning all about the great fire. It was wonderful to get them dressed up and involved in the activities.” Among the other activities enjoyed by the children included recreating medieval London through map making.
RHS Harlow Carr inspires budding artists
A recent trip to one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful gardens has helped inspire art students from Cundall Manor School. The year 9 pupils visited RHS Harlow Carr gardens in Harrogate as part of their study into natural forms. The youngsters took inspiration from the Royal Horticultural Society Garden and had the advantage of some late summer sunshine later in the day. Sarah Pearson, Head of Art at Cundall Manor School organised the trip. She said: “Harlow Carr has organic forms in abundance and offered great opportunities to draw a wide range of plant forms, the floral displays and vegetable garden being of particular interest. “We spent the morning sketching in the grounds and after lunch the everyone took part in printmaking workshops in the Bramall learning centre. During the workshops we looked at the work of William Morris, the famous Art and Crafts artist and designer, and then used our own sketches to produce prints inspired by his use of motifs and symmetry.” She added: “We are lucky to have such a great resource on our doorstep and my thanks go to the team at Harlow Carr for making it such an enjoyable experience.” The pupils will continue to focus on natural forms and will produce work for display across the school in the coming term. Parents are being invited to come and see some of the fantastic artwork on display at the school for themselves at our next Open Morning on Saturday 15thOctober from 10am. Call 01423 360 200 to find out more.