Week 10 saw a return to the days of yore with the Medieval Faire for 2017. As a culminating activity for the rigorous History component of HaSS, Year 8 students and their parents were invited to partake in the annual event run by the CBC HASS department
The year 8 History curriculum focuses on the Medieval period of European history. Students investigate the way of life in medieval Europe (e.g. social, cultural, economic and political features) and the roles and relationships of different groups in society. There is a focus on significant developments and cultural achievements, such as changing relations between Islam and the West (including the Crusades), architecture, medieval manuscripts and music. Students also determine continuity and change in society in regards to crime and punishment, military and defence systems, towns, cities and commerce. Finally, the role of significant individuals in the medieval period (e.g. Charlemagne) are also looked at in depth.
In year 8 History, students develop their historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts are investigated within the historical context of the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period, c. 650 AD (CE) – 1750. They consider how societies changed, what key beliefs and values emerged, and the causes and effects of contact between societies in this period.
Jousting
Jousting was a major attraction at medieval tournaments with the competitors being akin to today’s Hollywood superstars. Riders would ride at each-other and attempt to break their lance on their opponent’s shields, or ideally, unhorse them. A competitor who was unhorsed would need to hand over his horse and armour, ransoming them back from the victor. At the Faire, students were invited to test their skills against static targets using wheeled ‘horses’ made with the help of D&T and Home Ec.
Cross Curricular Displays & Activities
As a whole school event, each department was invited to create their own activity to demonstrate their learning area’s involvement during medieval times. Run by the HaSS department, students were able to try their hand at wearing traditional armour and clothing, jousting, archery, heraldry and illuminating manuscripts. Science provided a potions and medicinal concoctions stall. Maths provided dice and chess games. The English department presented poetry and calligraphy skills. D&T were responsible for many of the props including the jousting horses. Home Economics also helped with the clothing of the horses as well as providing a nutritious soup. A traditional maypole dance was conducted by students from Dance while classical guitar was played by students from Music.
Medieval Themed Outfits
Staff and students are encouraged to wear medieval themed outfits during the event, particularly the stall holders. Some students even went to the effort of making their very own costume.
