Dunannie pupils
The year group has visited the Oates Collection in Selborne, an exhibit focusing on the life and adventures of Captain Lawrence Oates, the brave Antarctic hero who was chosen to be part of Captain Robert Scott’s team undertaking the epic journey of discovery to the South Pole, but who sadly did not return.
Fortunately for Dunannie pupils, the previous weekend’s snow did not cause any disruption, but instead provided a realistic environment for the children’s visit. Not only were they able to look at some of the original artefacts relating to that ill-fated trip, and to Oates himself, but they were also able to pull their own sledge up The Hangars through real snow and build a tent!
The Year 2 pupils then took part in an Arctic training day the week after half term which included learning how the military jump into freezing snow holes, dressing up in clothing they would wear and seeing equipment they would take, as well as learning what a soldier would eat in 24 hours: an enormous 10,000 calories. The children climbed into snug sleeping bags, tried on the heavy ski boots and wore the fancy head gear, and also thought of some challenging questions which the Army men were very happy to answer including ‘How long can you survive under freezing water?’, “Do you have to work hard in the snow, is it dangerous?”, “How many layers do you wear?”, and “Have you ever been frightened?” The class decided sledging on Butser Hill was a little less strenuous and warmer than a dip in the Arctic Ocean.
Jo Webbern, Head of Dunannie, commented:
“Both the visit and the Arctic training day were fantastic opportunities for the children to learn about other countries in the world and how different their environments are from ours. This project has stimulated learning in both History and Geography. We have also learnt that Bedales School actually sponsored one of the ponies, Christopher, that went on Captain Robert Scott’s original expedition in 1911 and the school welcomed Commander Evans for a lecture on the expedition in 1914.”
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Bedales School is one of the UK's top independent private co-education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated in Steep, near Petersfield, Hampshire: Dunannie (ages 3–8), Dunhurst (ages 8–13) and Bedales itself (ages 13–18). Established in 1893 Bedales School puts emphasis on the Arts, Sciences, voluntary service, pastoral care, and listening to students' views. Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music. The Headmaster is Keith Budge.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
