Guernsey-based re-enactment group Knights of the Green Isle took to the stage of the school hall to show students battle techniques used in the Battle of Hastings, before Year 7 gave it a go themselves.
‘We were invited to talk about and demonstrate the equipment used by Vikings and Normans in the Battle of Hastings,’ said Phil West of the Knights of the Green Isle.
‘We’ve shown the use of shields and a shield wall, as well as some other fighting methods. The students are always very enthusiastic to get involved when we visit. We’ve been here for the past three years.’
Year 7 pupils were shown the reality of medieval combat, and saw a range of weapons up close, giving them a chance to try out some of the strategies.
‘I’ve really enjoyed it,’ said Digby Carter. ‘This is probably one of the funnest history lessons ever.’
They also had the chance to try on chain mail and helmets.
‘It’s a good way to see what it was like rather than just reading about it,’ said Aaron Le Cheminant.
‘I enjoy history anyway but I’ve learnt a lot.’
It was the third year that the re-enactment group has worked with Elizabeth College in making learning visual.
‘We’re trying to bring history to life for the students,’ said head of history Chris Bentley.
‘The expertise in terms of combat is really crucial and it’s very difficult for the students to have empathy or appreciate it without physically touching these items.
‘There tends to be quite a lot on the Normans, but we play heavily on the tactics of both sides and the effectiveness of the shield wall.’