APS News 19

abingdon.org.uk/prep 5 Year 5: The Victorian Living Museum Abingdon Prep Out and About Year 5 pupils, who are investigating how life for Victorian children changed over time, visited the Victorian Living Museum, Dudley. We descended into the coal mine, exposing the boys to the cramped and dangerous conditions experienced by young Victorians, complete with an explosion showing how coal was dislodged from the seams. Happily, we emerged unscathed, albeit after a shorter shift than our Victorian counterparts. The schoolroom gave the opportunity to write with slate and chalk, and to recite the alphabet Year 4 walk the Ridgeway and tables, as well as experiencing some Victorian discipline! The boys also visited a selection of Victorian era shops and houses to see and hear demonstrations of Victorian housekeeping and toiletry habits. Purple tongues did result from the trip to the sweet shop, although we were glad to report there was no arsenic in the confectionery, as in the 1800s. A final highlight was watching a real Black Country blacksmith at work in the forge. Sparks really did fly. A successful trip, and in no small part owing to the good attention and questions posed by the boys. Storm Bronagh caused some wild and blustery conditions as we set off to hike along the Ridgeway. Despite the weather, the boys were in high spirits and set a fair pace along exposed hilltops and woodland paths. After four hours, we reached the Court Hill Hostel - a perfect spot for a hearty meal, play in the woodlands and a well-deserved sleep. Day two and the trek to White Horse Hill with weary legs. The wind was relentless, but there was some blue in the sky. We covered the 6.8 mile journey in good time, reaching our destination on schedule to catch the buses back to school. All the boys demonstrated resilience and determination. They encouraged each other and showed real team spirit and cooperation. They should be proud of their achievement. Year 8 had a highly enjoyable field trip to The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The boys studied the formation of coastal features and will now begin to write up their findings in an essay which will form part of their end of year grade. While we were at Old Harry Rocks the boys were lucky enough to see the Coastguard helicopter at close range. Year 8 Field Trip