News & Headteacher Blogs

On Monday the Downs School had the privilege of welcoming Year 6 students from the Downland Federation’s primary schools for an action packed day of Anglo Saxon based fun!

56 students from Basildon, Beedon and Compton Primary School were transported back to Anglo Saxon England by Ian Morgan from Portals to the Past. Students were able to handle and explore Anglo Saxon artefacts, including cooking equipment, jewellery and time keeping devices to get a sense of the similarities and differences between an Anglo Saxon’s daily experience and routines and their own.

Students played Anglo Saxon games and created their own kennings (Anglo-Saxon poems) which allowed them to immerse themselves in the mindset of an Anglo Saxon. They also learnt Anglo Saxon battle techniques, which allowed them to transform themselves into fearsome warriors. The day culminated in two epic battle reenactments where students used the techniques they had learnt.

Students really enjoyed the day and it made them even more excited about the continuation of their educational journey at the Downs in September.  

Mr Bartlett, History and Politics Teacher