Curiouser And Curiouser....

This Year 6 started this term by taking a step back in time to delve into the bygone times of the Bronze Age, the Medieval and Tudor periods plus World War I. To stimulate their curiosity into the past and how it affects us, Cranmere pupils were provided with the opportunity to participate in the 'Gathering Places 360' creative workshop.

The workshop is a brand new initiative by Made By Katie Green, a dance company hoping to encourage local primary schools and community groups to appreciate and understand our local heritage sites. Run in association with Surrey County Archaeological Unit, this unique workshop provides participants with the ability to physically handle and explore local artifacts, and with the use of VR360 headsets, provides an introduction to the layered history of the county. Combined with story telling through dance, creative writing and arts activities the workshop provides participants with a greater understanding of what is meant to be human in the days of old.

Our Year 6 pupils had a wonderful time looking, feeling and even wearing the objets d'art of the past. As for the VR360 headsets the children were totally enthralled by the inspirational films. Produced in association with filmmaker Matt Bartram (Cave & Sky), the films are based on stories from four local archaeological sites:Runnymede bridge (Bronze Age), St Mary's Priory, Ankerwycke (Medieval), Woking Palace (Tudor) and Witley and Milford Commons (World War I). Hopefully this initiative will help to consolidate their classroom learning and provide a memorable experience.

Following on from this, our pupils will be participating in a dance workshop provided by the same company, using dance to explore WWI and Witley Common.

If this has made you feel a little curious or a tiny bit intrigued to learn more about this creative and vibrant approach to learning, please follow the link to the Made By Katie Green Website: https://madebykatiegreen.co.uk/