Last week, both Lower School year groups
embarked on trips designed to broaden their cultural awareness. Year 7
travelled north to Warwick Castle, as part of their history curriculum. Year 8
made a shorter journey to south west London in order to visit the largest mosque
in Western Europe, Baitul Futuh.
Year 7 have been learning about life in the
middle ages all term, including the crucial role castles played in winning key
battles and building empires. The boys climbed the ramparts, listened to how
castle design has changed over the course of the last 1,000 years and found out
about the defensive systems in place. Experts outlined the range of weapons
used at the time, including catapults, which were the most effective form of
attack on a castle.
Other highlights of the day included
watching the birds of prey show, with pupils particularly impressed by the
Chilean blue-winged eagle. The group also paid a visit to the bear pit and
learnt why Warwick’s symbol is a bear and ragged staff. The best part of the
day was saved until last with a tour of the dungeons. Pupils met some historical
characters including a medieval surgeon, a judge, a torture, an executioner and
a witch.
Head of History Mr Morgan commented: “It
was a thoroughly enjoyable day, with the pupils as well behaved as always. I am
confident the trip has reinforced their learning about medieval England. Many
American tourists were impressed by the Shiplake blazers!”
Year 8’s trip to Baitul Futuh was designed
to assist pupils’ exploration of world religions in Theology and Philosophy. Year
8 pupil Joseph Perry kindly provided the following report from the trip:
“Our
tour guide Mr Ahmad arrived and escorted the group down to the library and
taught us about “The Qur’an”, the Muslim holy book. This was followed by a tour
around the grounds, showing us the impressive structure and minarets, before entering
the main part of the mosque. We were asked to remove our shoes and store them
on special racks.
Mr
Ahmad then took us to the women’s prayer hall and told us all about the layout.
The carpets had been designed in grey and green stripes so people could line up
on them. However, you cannot reserve a place as Muslims believe in equality. We
were also shown a room where children go when the adults are busy praying. This
room had a great window so parents and children could see each other. The glass
was completely sound proof and Mr Ahmed let us test this!
After
this we were showed the men’s prayer hall and got the chance to observe some
Muslim men praying. As the Adhan (Islamic call to worship) reverberated around
the walls, men came up and took their places in the room, slotting into neat
lines bowing and kneeling as the Imam sung Islamic prayers. This lasted for
about 10 minutes.
Overall
it was a very interesting and enlightening trip as we got to see the lifestyle
of a different culture. Thanks to Mr Brownley, Mrs Hallam and Matron for taking
us on the trip and a special thank you to our tour guide Mr Ahmad.”