Pupils step back in time to WW1 farm

Pupils at Arden Grove Infant and Nursery School stepped back to the days of the First World War as they transformed their school and playing field into a wartime farm.

The Year 1 pupils are studying Land Army girl Olive Crosswell as part of the Norwich Theatre Royal-led arts educational project To End All Wars, and the event was organised to share what they have learned with the rest of the school.

The farm included a Suffolk Punch heavy horse and a petting farm with a chicken, a sheep and a pig, plus several other animals.

The 170 children dressed up in Edwardian costumes and took part in activities such as stone picking and polishing brass, as well as learning about how horses were used at that time.

“The children had a brilliant day,” said headteacher Daniel Thrower. “We brought history alive and the children loved it.

“The Year 1 children are also so excited to be able to tell others about the life of Olive Crosswell through performing as part of The To End All Wars centenary concert at Norwich Theatre Royal.”

Arden Grove is part of an Umbrella Trust with Hellesdon High School and Norwich Theatre Royal, and is one of four schools working on specific case studies as part of To End All Wars, which will culminate in the performance at Norwich Theatre Royal on August 1 at 7.30pm.