This inspiration can last for many years and I believe that childhood curiosity has played a significant role in some of the greatest inventions and works of art in history and is essential for fostering a love of learning. This hope to inspire curiosity is why I wanted to take the boys on a trip to the Jafar Gallery at Eton College. Moreover, this visit aligns with their current Year 7 Art and History work, where they have been engaging in a similar creative and exploratory process with Mr. Selwyn-Bazeley at the Treasury of Winchester College, resulting in exciting and unique outcomes.

I was pleased to see that the Year 3 boys demonstrated equally impressive responses to the artefacts in front of them during their trip on Monday. The boys explored a wide range of intriguing objects displayed in the glass cabinets of the Jafar Gallery, expertly guided by Saskia, the College's Collections Education Officer. She challenged and encouraged them in equal measure, noting that they asked excellent questions and showed great enthusiasm.

The first part of the learning experience focused on writing in the Classical world. The boys learned about various tools and artifacts, from wax tablets to gravestones. They utilised the Greek alphabet to decode secret messages and considered the phonetic reasons why our modern alphabet does not easily correspond with the Greek one.

Next, the boys examined Greek pottery, using logic to assess the different shapes and their potential uses. They engaged in discussions about the evolution of design and decoration, quickly identifying Dionysus on various vessels. Afterward, they enjoyed a fast and competitive game of pot bingo.

The final session began with a study of Greek coins. I was impressed by how quickly the boys identified the Athenian owl and recalled a wide range of Greek gods and myths. They ended the session in fits of laughter as they acted out the story of Hades, Persephone, and the Underworld.

The boys had a wonderful time together and learned how to use their curiosity to interpret and question the objects displayed in museum cases. Following their time indoors, they enjoyed a delightful lunch in a play park, with Windsor Castle’s Norman tower overseeing them—a particularly fitting view, in my opinion.

I would like to express my gratitude to Saskia, Miss Erasmus, and Miss Purcell for their support during the trip and for helping the boys have a wonderful learning experience. I would also like to thank the support staff in the Dining Room and Maintenance Department at school for providing our lunches and ensuring the minibus was safe and ready for travel.

Mrs Joy Bailey
Head of History