During their three‑day residential at Hooke Court, Year 4 were fully immersed in the world of Saxon life, taking part in a rich programme of hands‑on learning and historical discovery. The trip offered a rare opportunity for the girls to step back in time and experience what daily life might have been like for the Anglo‑Saxons.
‘It was absolutely amazing because we did loads of activities where we learnt things about the Anglo‑Saxons,’ said Rose.
‘I loved it when we dressed up in the Round House; I was a king!’ added Freya.
Throughout the visit, the girls developed traditional cookery skills, preparing simple foods using methods that would have been familiar more than a thousand years ago. They explored reconstructed Saxon buildings and examined artefacts on site, using their discoveries to deepen their understanding of how settlements were designed and how communities lived and worked together.
One particularly atmospheric highlight was listening to—and retelling—Saxon sagas in the candlelit roundhouse during a stormy evening, bringing ancient storytelling vividly to life.
Another memorable experience was taking part in a Saxon wedding ceremony. The children took on different roles, learning about the customs, symbolism, and celebrations of the period.
‘The Saxon wedding ceremony was fun; we learnt about how weddings were different 1,600 years ago. We dressed up and the round house was full of flowers and candles. It was beautiful. I got to be a bride,’ said Rosa.
The girls also enjoyed meeting the sheep that provided the wool for weaving—an encounter that helped them appreciate the full journey from raw material to finished textile. It quickly became one of the most talked‑about moments of the trip.
Throughout their stay, the girls were confident, curious, and enthusiastic. They embraced new challenges, supported one another, and clearly relished the independence and adventure that came with spending a few days away from home.
‘Hooke Court was very beautiful; I wanted to stay there forever!’ said Anais.
