History Teacher, George Robbins, reports on a fantastic Lower 4 trip to Binham Priory and Castle Rising
"On Wednesday 1 March, all Lower 4 pupils were involved on a medieval history trip to two English Heritage sites, Binham Priory and Castle Rising.
The Lower 4 curriculum is centred in this period of history and it was a pleasure to see pupils so animated to visit both sites.
At Binham Priory, pupils had the opportunity to explore the ruins and determine what monastic life would have been like for medieval monks. The ruins also gave teachers a chance to introduce the concept of the Reformation, something these pupils will learn in the classroom next year in Upper 4. Binham’s rood screen and font were key focal points in explaining the tension between Catholicism & Protestantism in the 16th century.
We were lucky with the weather as the sun came out just in time for lunch before a visit of Castle Rising. Meaningful discussions on the purposes and functions of medieval castles took place before pupils walked down into the moat to appreciate the steep incline of the motte. Many students’ highlight of the day appeared to be crossing the bridge into the bailey and exploring the stone keep itself. Imagination ran wild as ideas came through on how best to attack such a formidable fortress. Finally, a quick stop at the Norman church to the north of the keep allowed us to finish discussions in a cyclical manner, highlighting the importance of Christianity in this era throughout society.
My thanks to the pupils for being exemplary in their behaviour and for the staff who supported the department on this trip. Finally, significant thanks should go to those at Binham Priory & Castle Rising for allowing us to visit their sites and for being so hospitable."
