Year 8 History up Close Incursion

On Friday the 24th of May, Year 8 boy of Meadow Fair campus enjoyed an afternoon of medieval history provided by History up Close. Robert and Gina from History up Close allowed the boys to explore the world of the medieval period through Costume and clothing, Arms and Armor, Games and Music. The activity lasted for only half a day but I am sure the students wished the day was longer to fit more in.

In costume and Clothing, the students were able to dress in period costume, from the humble peasant to the wealth nobles. Many students volunteered and allowed Gina to dress them in period clothing and much laughter was had as students struggled to get into leggings and woollen coats worn in the middle ages. The students dressed as a monk with a very fashionable wig, a peasant, a merchant and a noble in the finest cloths money could buy. However time soon ran out for this activity so it was off to the next activity with Robert.

Robert introduced the students to medieval armour and weapons and demonstrated many of equipment worn by the people being studied in class. The students were able to try on mail and plate Armor, with two students being fully dressed as medieval men at arms. The year 8 boys were able to learn the different methods of fencing (sword fighting) and some were even lucky enough to battle each other, with rubber swords and protective equipment of course. After several bouts, the lunch bell rang and although many students wanted to keep fighting with swords it was time to let the History up Close team have a well-earned rest.

To kick off the second half of the activity the boys were introduced to the world of medieval music. Robert demonstrated many musical instruments common in the Middle Ages but relative unknown today. The boys got to blast a note on the hunting horn and herald an arrival with the trumpet. Robert then sang a few songs in old English and Latin followed by a demonstration of the automatic violin called the Hurdy Gurdy and the German bagpipes. The students were in awe of the music and most admitted that it was the first time they had had someone play and instrument and sing to them in person.

The final activity of the day was medieval games. Gina introduced the boys to Kubb, a medieval throwing game used to teach accuracy and throwing skills. The boys quickly pick up this game and were very skilled in no time at all. After a few more gamed the day drew to a close and many of the students were grateful to the team at History up Close for coming to our school. I personally would like to send a big thankyou to not only the History up Close tam but each and every student who participated in this activity. The students’ enthusiasm and cooperation made the activity run extremely smoothly and made the day one to remember.