Last Monday KS3 went on a historical trip to St Nicholas Priory and Exeter Cathedral as part of their Tudor topic in Humanities with Mr Cotter. 'We had lots of fun and were very grateful to the tour guides and volunteers for their time explaining the use of both buildings during the Tudor period.' The pupils got to try on authentic Tudor clothes becoming Lords and Ladies, as well as trying traditional Tudor food known as pottage. Pottage was eaten by many peasants who did not have access to meat unless a wealthy person was kind enough to give them their leftovers. Below is the recipe if you want to experience some genuine Tudor food. It goes very nicely with a crusty, rustic loaf.

 Tudor Stew (Pottage) Recipe

• In a large stew pot, add 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced parsnips, 1 cup of diced onion, and 1 cup of diced turnips.
• Sweat the veggies using about ¼ cup of low sodium veggie broth
• After 10-15 minutes, add 1 cup diced leeks, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup fresh green beans (or use a 15oz can, rinsed and drained), and 1-2 cups of chopped cabbage (I used Napa).
• Let that simmer for a few minutes and then add 2 quarts of low sodium veggie broth.
• Season with 1 large bay leaf, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ dried rosemary, ½ tsp rubbed sage, ½ ground pepper, and ¾ tsp salt.
• Stir in ½ cup of red wine.  (it may or may not be true to what a peasant might use – but it does add a nice flavor)
• Bring the soup to a boil, and then lower the heat to LOW and cover.
• Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
• Stir in 1 cup rolled oats (or use ½ cup rolled oats and ½ barley flakes – available at Whole Foods)
• Continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes, or until grains are cooked.
• Add any additional seasoning if desired, 1 Tbs of balsamic vinegar,  and remove bay leaf before serving.

Forest Explorers

In the Outdoor Ed sessions children have completed Bikeability training, a group have started a 4 week climbing block down at the quayside and in Forest Explorers we have been making the most of the recent rain fall. The stream was swollen and so we made some simple rope bridges which the children had terrific fun using to cross the water. Some groups who crossed easily asked for a bigger challenge and so an even trickier bridge was built. There are now plans afoot to encourage the children to plan and build rope bridges of their own. 

Every session involves building a fire and we've cooked sausages and made hotdogs this week. The children built a tripod to try and dry out some wet clothes over the fire. It didn't help much but was great fun for them to work out!

One group made some decorative tree faces and another threaded bark onto some wire to create a woody wreath. One of the highlights this week has been the construction of a swing which all the children have enjoyed.