Medieval Day

Earlier this week our Year 8 students stepped back in time for an immersive and action-packed Medieval Day, delivered by expert external presenters. This engaging incursion directly supported the Year 8 Humanities curriculum, bringing to life our studies of Medieval Europe and Feudal Japan.

Throughout the day, students rotated through five interactive sessions designed to deepen their understanding of medieval societies:

• Crime & Punishment – Students explored the harsh and often confronting justice systems of the Middle Ages Europe.
• Games – They discovered how people in medieval times entertained themselves, learning traditional games and understanding their social significance.
• Dance – Students experienced medieval music and dance, gaining insight into celebrations and cultural life during the period.
• Weapons & Armour – A highlight of the day, this session examined the evolution of weaponry and protective gear, linking directly to discussions about knights and the role of warfare in shaping societies.
• Feudal Japan – Tying in with our current mini unit of study, students explored the structure of Japanese feudal society, the code of the Samurai, and key cultural traditions.

The hands-on nature of the sessions allowed students to ask questions, handle replica artefacts, and fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and stories of the medieval world. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement from our Year 8 cohort. 

Words by Mr Starr