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Friday, 4th April 2008

Y8 visit to Sandal Castle

Fifty Year 8 pupils enjoyed a journey into the past at Sandal Castle last term. During two hour sessions at the Castle, pupils were given the opportunity to tour the site and asked to consider how to describe its modern day state by focusing on the senses.

After learning a little about the Castle’s history and having the privilege of handling artefacts from two different time periods, pupils were invited to draw comparisons between the ‘living and dying’ castle. Local writer, Ann Hamblen, then got pupils’ creative juices flowing by demonstrating how their observations and words could be used to form a poem or ‘time slip’ story. Some fantastic descriptions were offered and the beginnings of some very promising work produced before a final (breezy!) look around the Castle ruins, armed with fresh insights and new historical knowledge.

What the pupils thought:

‘When I arrived at Sandal Castle, I looked at the ruins and just saw some stone. However, after our guide (Ann) talked about some of the fascinating facts, I looked and saw all the history behind it.’

‘It helped me with History and English. Anne told us about how she gets inspired by places like this. I now understand what she looks for as a writer.’

‘Sandal Castle was really fascinating and the fresh air gave you a feel of the Middle Ages.’

‘I liked the view at the top of the Castle’s mound because it made me think how high the wall was and it shows how much we have evolved since the Civil War.’

‘The view was amazing. It is a place where you can go and be peaceful.’