QPHS Spring Term 2024 magazine - Magazine - Page 18
EXPLORING CHESTER’S HERITAGE
Uncovering the historical & religious secrets of our city
On Monday 4th July over 100 of
our wonderful Year 7 students
descended on Chester Cathedral
as part of an RE and History trip.
On arriving students were split into
four groups. Two groups were
given a detailed and informative
tour around the Cathedral with
Barry and Sheila - volunteers who
work at the cathedral with many
years of experience.
The students were allowed to
access parts of the building closed
to the general public where they re
-enacted a court case! The other
two groups took part in a stained
glass window workshop with
Education Officer, Jen Stafford and
produced the most beautiful and
unique pieces of work. Students
were allowed to keep their
creations which will be showcased
in the RE department back at
school.
After lunch in the grounds of the
cathedral, Year 7 were treated to a
historical tour of Chester by our
very own, historical duo, Mr
Howens and Miss Whitford-Stark.
They thoroughly enjoyed sharing
their local history expertise with the
groups, showcasing the exciting
sites right on our doorstep.
The tour included a walk along the
famous city walls which have been
built upon and developed for
centuries. What was once a
defensive barrier to outsiders is
now a thriving tourist site
welcoming all! The group learned
about the 'kaleyards' or cabbage/
vegetable gardens serving the
monks of the cathedral during the
Middle Ages; the site is now a car
park! Walking along the walls they
saw King Charles' Tower, where
Charles I would have watched his
army defeated at Rowton Moor
during the Civil War of 1645. The
group were amazed to learn of the
medieval plague pits close to the
racecourse, and how the site of the
racecourse would have been the
bustling River Dee and port!
Not forgetting the Roman heritage
of our city, we ended the tour with
the Amphitheatre and Roman
gardens. Students certainly racked
up their step count for the day as
they were taken through time
around our vibrant historical city.
Throughout the day the students were
well behaved and engaged. They were a
credit to the school. Well done Year 7!
Mrs Merry-Weather,
Curriculum Team Leader for Social Studies