Our international pupils stepped back in time on their cultural trip to Exeter

On Tuesday 27th January the international pupils went on a cultural trip to Exeter. We organised a guided tour of the oldest building in Exeter, St Nicholas’s Priory where the pupils witnessed the transformation of the site from a wealthy religious institution founded by William the Conqueror in 1087, to the dwelling of a wealthy wool merchant and his family. The pupils heard about the lifestyles, the food and clothing and social norms over the centuries, and saw how the changing powers and society in Exeter influenced the English language, from Latin, to Saxon to French. Lio and Gustav and Luca modelled some 16th century hats and we learned the origins of the expression ‘sleep tight’.

A short walk followed to the extraordinary Exeter Cathedral, a classic example of English Gothic style, built on Roman remains and still surrounded by sections of the Roman city wall.

Free time and fun are always factored in to our trips, so the pupils had some time to themselves for lunch and shopping, but we did squeeze in a whistle-stop tour to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum before heading back to Bruton. Amid fossils, birds, insects, incredible wild animals and collections from typical Victorian cabinets of curiosities the pupils could wander and see some amazing collections from far away, both in time and place. It was a good day out and an important window onto English culture and linguistic heritage.

Nicola Checketts - Head of EAL 

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