Chepstow Medieval Fair

Trainee teachers on the PGCE History, Design and Technology and Art and Design courses have the chance to organise a medieval fair for school children at Chepstow Castle each year. Up to 600 Year 7 school students come to experience and learn about medieval life through the ages.

Students can practice felt making, leather stamping and make copper jewellery on stalls run by PGCE trainees so learning about materials and construction techniques. Welsh Cakes and a real pig’s head are displayed to illustrate medieval food. Trebuchets, defensive slingshot machines, designed to repel invaders, are on show. Inside the castle PGCE trainee teachers dress as historical figures to represent different classes, social conditions and jobs, and have to explain their role to the children.

The trainees develop their subject knowledge of history, food and technology, practice the logistical skills of the task and present learning in a cross-curricular way. They also learn to plan with teachers from other disciplines and experience working with trainees from different subject disciplines. This cross curricular approach to teaching reflects the current national curriculum and it deepens the understanding of not just UWE trainees but also the school students who are able to learn by the experience of doing, rather than receiving information.

“At Chepstow I played the role of a historical character - I had to explain my job and role in the building of Chepstow castle in the Middle Ages to visiting pupils (I was a stone mason). What did I get out of the event? It was great to see young people outside of the classroom and help them learn in a different way. It was also a lot of fun playing the role of a historical character and trying to encourage pupils to picture Chepstow as it was when in use. Working with other subject groups was worthwhile as it broadened my own understanding of education.” Stephen, PGCE Secondary History 2010.

This innovative and creative approach to education is spreading with former PGCE trainees now borrowing materials from UWE to use within their own schools and schools approaching UWE wanting to do more activities.

Ofsted Report 2011
An exceptional feature of the provider is its innovative promotion of peer learning, creativity and extensive opportunities for trainees to work on exciting cross-curricular projects. Inspectors noted many successful examples of these initiatives, such as those focused on ‘The Bristol Blitz’, ‘Chepstow Castle’ and ‘Reading the City’. These stimulating multi-disciplinary projects bring trainees from different subject backgrounds together, frequently demonstrating the value of learning outside the classroom, and often have a wider impact within partnership schools.

Full report: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_providers/full/(urn)/70079