Our first night at Edgmond Hall was a success, children were exhausted after their first day and slept like babies!

This morning, we had cereal, toast and beans for breakfast with some fresh orange juice. We gave out team points for sensible sleepers and celebrated good team work. After a short play, we split into two groups.

Group 1 first went to meet Edgmond Hall's two pigmy goats, Tinsle and Holly, and fed them leaves and a mixture of grains and seed. Children loved this and everyone has a go, there were definitely some sloppy hands afterwards! Following this, they went to a remote part of the land to learn the skill of Archery. Children had a safety demonstration and were supported to aim their arrow at the target. We had a few bulls eye shots, from both children and staff! Everyone had a great time and shown excellent form when holding their bow and arrow, we were very impressed. The group were then put to the test by doing a Blind Line walk. Our most used sense was taken away (sight) and children had to rely on listening and communication to follow the blind line safely. There were a number of obstacles on the way which stimulated the senses. Clear instructions were key, as well as keeping hold of the line. Each child relied on the child in front of them to give directions as well as prepare them for any obstacles they had encountered. Children shown excellent listening, resilience and really developed their communication skills.

Group 2 also got to feed animals, but they went and visited Edgmond Hall's chicken, called Omlette, and guinea pigs. Afterwards, they went to explore a bit of history about Grove Vale. Children discussed what Archaeology is and explored some artefacts that had been found by archaeologists while exploring the grounds of Edgmond Hall. Children discussed what they can learn about the past by studying artefacts. We learnt about and equipt ourselves with important archaeological tools: archaeological brushes aka toothbrushes - not their own, sorting tray, scrapers, sieve and washing tub. We then went to archaeological dig site, which was split into a grid, children selected a square to explore. They found some fascinating pieces of artefacts: parts of china crockery, coins, pieces of pottery as well as a lot of nuts, bolts and interesting metal contraptions. Children had fun inferring what they were and how they might have been used and some groups were able to join their pieces together to make a full piece of pottery used in the past. Once children had dug, sieved and scraped, they to their treasures and washed them thoroughly. Like any good archaeologist, their next task was to document their findings. They sketched and labelled their findings complete with accurate measurements. They also used the coordinates from the archaeological dig to accurately log where and when the artefacts were discovered. Exciting stuff!

After a fun packed morning, we enjoyed lunch which was a sandwich, crisps, fruit and a yummy flapjack for desert. Once refilled and replenished, points and rewards were given for good listening, communication and teamwork during the morning session, children had playtime and then got ready for the afternoons activities.

During the afternoon, the groups then swapped and did the activities the other group had done in the morning.

For dinner, we had yummy bangers and mash with rice pudding and peaches for desert. After a short run around, the children had showers and then settled down to watch a movie in their pyjamas with a supper time snack and a hot chocolate.

After a fantastic and eventful day I can say with certainty that children will sleep well tonight ready for another fun packed day tomorrow!

 

Edgmond Hall 22 - Day 2