June 27, 2022

English Rural Life in the City for Year 9s

Rounding off their 2022 Activity Week with something different, the Year 9s headed to the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), part of the University of Reading, on Friday 24th June. The group were treated to a talk by Philippa Heath, Education Manager, before exploring the artefacts and displays inside and meeting the chickens in the walled garden! It is unusual to find a rural life museum in such an urban setting and Philippa was able to explain the significance of Reading’s rural history to our students. The museum also had a focus on the 1951 Festival of Britain which aimed to boost national spirits and the economy following WWII and houses the country’s largest archive of books published by Ladybird, which fascinated the Year 9s! The trip ended with a visit to Kasper’s Dessert Parlour where a very comprehensive allergen manual enabled everyone to create their bespoke treats and snacks risk free although all of them seemed to contain plenty of sugar!

 

“I really enjoyed looking at all of the different historic objects and almost stepping back in time to when all of these items were brought in. It was really interesting and fun and I think that all of us really enjoyed going to Kasper’s after.” reflected Alanna.

 

The parents came together for the Year 9 BBQ after their children had returned to LP for an Oakview hosted social event. “It was a great way to end a really success week, with MERL and the parent BBQ,” said Sally Saunders, Head of Year 9. “The food was amazing and there were large numbers there. It felt like we really brought them together as a year group.”

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