Last week, our Year 7 girls travelled to the Sussex countryside for a residential Humanities trip. First stop was the historic town of Lewes.
Here, the girls had the chance to visit the 11th century Lewes Castle, built after the Norman Conquest. They handled a number of artefacts that had been found in archaeological digs there, as well as clambering up to the top of the keep to get a fantastic view of the surrounding area – which helped to understand why this spot had been chosen as a strategic defensive location.
After a teamwork exercise in the castle gardens, folding up the picnic tarpaulin, it was off to the coast!
Despite a cool sea mist, our explorers were able to enjoy the famous view of the river Cuckmere meandering to the sea in the Seven Sisters Country Park. The girls experienced the geological features of the flood plain, eroding chalk cliffs and flinty pebble beach.
Overnight accommodation was provided in a renovated farmhouse and barn in the middle of the countryside. Although absent of a nettle-free playing field, the farmhouse provided an excellent evening meal, including garlic bread, jelly and ice-cream. After a day in the fresh sea air, even excited rooms of 6 girls were soon asleep.
The second morning was, again, spent in Lewes. As previously mentioned, the protestant martyrs are celebrated here every year on Bonfire Night. It was such a beautiful day that we didn’t need the burning barrels of tar and bonfires to warm us up. Instead, we wandered around the peaceful remains of Lewes Priory, which had been destroyed in the reformation.
Although we go to great lengths to make Manor House School a stimulating learning environment, it can never be made comparable to experiencing the subject in the real world. This is why we organise a number of trips, both residential and day trips, to allow the girls to immerse themselves in the subject.
Our final stop, after travelling through the beautiful South Downs National Park, was at the Bignor Roman Villa. Here, the girls saw the incredible mosaics that had been accidentally discovered by a farmer 200 years ago. The visit featured a fantastic tour and hands on experience with the artefacts – all rounded off with a quiz before returning to school.