What a fantastic day we had on our fieldwork yesterday with E25. We visited Oakham Castle to experience workshops, role-play and re-enactment specifically tailored to our expedition ‘I’ve Got the Power!’.
We began the day with a walk-through re-enactment of William the Conqueror’s invasion through England, resulting in the Harrying of the North. Needless to say there were some great acting skills showing the death and destruction that William caused. Then, onto the Domesday Book where we analysed data and figured out how the ownership and value of the land changed between 1066 and 1086.
A tug of war game to represent the story and changing power balances during the First and Second Barons’ War where King John, followed by King Henry III battled with their Barons. It was clear to see the complexities and changes in power during the 1200s and each student played an excellent role to tell the story.
Next, we explored the Black Death, Hundred Years War and the Poll Tax which was brilliantly represented through another interactive game. We learnt how these events helped to cause the Peasants Revolt. We met John Ball and Wat Tyler and felt first hand how they inspired and lead the Peasants to challenge the traditional power dynamics – it was absolutely great to see how involved the students got. Who’d have thought they would make such enthusiastic revolting peasants who so passionately rejoiced over the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dylan).
After the excitement of the revolt, we returned to the hall to prepare for a debate – democracy vs. dictatorship. The students used sources to gather information on the two systems of power in order to defend their side – again, fantastic arguments from both sides, with a special mention to Ava who brought examples in from our learning so far this expedition to support her pro-democracy argument.
All in all, a wonderful day – it’s great to have such confident, enthusiastic students!