Pupils at Ashville Prep were given a first-hand insight into the worlds of animals and Aztecs as part of a programme of interactive learning events.
Ancients and animals: hands-on learning creates a buzz for Harrogate pupils
Pupils at a Harrogate school were given a first-hand insight into the worlds of animals and Aztecs as part of a growing programme of interactive learning events.
The One Day Creative team from Tadcaster used performance art, role play and movement to tell Year 6 pupils at Ashville College’s Prep School the story of the Aztecs, their Gods and what life might have been like for citizens of the ancient culture.
And, just a couple of days later, Sam’s Safaris arrived from their South Yorkshire base with a collection of exotic animals to help Years 1 and 2 go back to nature and appreciate more about the challenges some species face in a modern world.
Both visits underpin the college’s conviction that there’s more to a rounded education than just the usual classroom learning.
Ashville’s philosophy is to combine conventional and contemporary teaching methods with memorable experiences and practical activities which make learning fun, including visits to relevant venues and locations and interactive, in-school workshops.
Although the way of life for the Aztecs was harsh – particularly as they believed their Gods sometimes demanded human sacrifice – Year 6 pupils learned how the civilisation was founded and even that it was also one which enjoyed chocolate!
Year 6 teacher Louise Wells said:
“It’s always rewarding to see pupils engaging as subjects are brought to life.
"Interactive sessions like these can really help to fire their imaginations and get them talking outside of a lesson which is often a sign that a subject has really taken root.”
Meanwhile, the opportunity to get up close an even handle some rarer animals helped the Year 1 and 2 pupils to get a better understanding of both their anatomy and habits, as well as learning more about their environment and what they need to survive.
Year 1 teacher Sally Higgins said:
“Most of the pupils will have already known what these animals looked like from pictures, books or film - but it’s so much more engaging when you can actually pick them up, handle them or even hear the noises they make.
“It’s that kind of thing which encourages pupils to decide a species is their favourite and that’s a relationship with nature which can last a lifetime.”
Year 1 pupils are currently learning about habitats and how animals adapt to them. Year 2 pupils are focusing on food chains and animals’ diets – particularly species from Australia.
Both year groups will visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Park to follow up on the Sam’s Safari session just before half term.
Head of Ashville College Prep School Phil Soutar said:Open Doors event“It’s events like these which we believe create lasting memories for our pupils as well as learning opportunities.
“It may be a little while before our younger pupils sit GCSE or A level exams but we believe experiences like these help them with both their enthusiasm for a topic as well as learning some of the facts essential to the curriculum.
“Of course, online resources and books have their place but it’s often life experiences we remember best so interactive workshops, visits and trips will always be a vital part of education at Ashville.”
Parents of children aged 2-11 who would like to know more about opportunities at Ashville College are welcome to attend the Open Doors event hosted by its Prep School and Acorns Early Years teams, to be held on Wednesday (7th February).
Those interested in attending can click on this link to fill out the form and register an interest. One of the admissions team will then be in touch to schedule an appointment.
More information is also available by emailing admissions@ashville.co.uk.
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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