Wow, what a great term!
Year 3 have had such fun over the last few weeks learning about Bridge. We have linked our learning -both inside and outside of the classroom- to History and Geography. Our aim was for the children to have a clearer knowledge and interest of the village. We wanted them to develop a natural curiosity for historical events that have happened in Bridge and how learn how the village has changed over time. In order for them to imagine and understand more about where they live we have been outside exploring as much as possible. The children have been exceptional on all of our trips, and have been thoroughly immersed in their learning.
Our learning began with an orienteering walk around the village where the children had to locate specific places of interest whilst using their map skills to navigate their journey by following directions on a map. We had a lovely morning observing and sketching our local area, enjoying nature and discussing places of historical interest on the way.
Our next excursion was to The Close (previously the Poor Law Union Workhouse) where we were greeted by Alan and Sue Walton from Bridge Historical Society. They told the children all about why the workhouse was built and what life would have been like for the inmates there 180 years ago. The children were interested to discover how the families would have been spilt up on arrival and the roles that each family member would have had to undertake whilst there.
Finally, we went on a very soggy but enjoyable trip to The Pig. We were greeted by Freya who, after supplying us all with umbrellas, taught us about the history of the house (formally Broome Park).
We then had a tour of the grounds where the children were able to look at the vegetable gardens, mushroom hut and smoking house. Using a compass, the children found North from the gardens and then used this information when we got back to school to draw their own maps with compass points drawn onto it.
Since then, we have learnt so much more about the fascinating history of our village. Their highlights have been: the discovery of how the book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by Ian Fleming, was inspired by Count Zebrowski and his passion for cars who lived in Higham house, discovering the processions from royals to camels that, since the 12th century, have walked through the village on their way to Canterbury or London, the way that the high street has changed over time, what life was like before the Bypass was built, how some of their own houses have deep historical meaning to the village and so much more.
It has been a pleasure to teach the children as they have been so interested in learning and well behaved when we were out and about. We hope that they come home and share some of the interesting facts that they have learnt with you. Well done Year 3!
