Learning on The Move – Winchester

The town of Winchester started as a large Iron Aged fortified settlement and developed into the Roman town of Venta Belgium. The settlement was an important centre for the tribe Belgae. It is not clear where the tribe came from, it is possible they were originally the tribe recorded by Caesar, as one which crossed the channel as invaders but it is more likely they were traders. To the Celtic Britons, the settlement was likely known as Wenta or Venta meaning 'meeting place'. However, it has also been suggested that it has its roots in the word 'white' for the local chalk. Once the Romans came, the town's name became Latinised in to Venta Belgium.

Winchester was one of themes important cities in England until the Norman conquest in the 11th century. It is now one of the most expensive and affluent areas within the UK. We are very fond of University of Winchester, as a number of our learners have flourished and succeeded here.

Things to do to advance our learning as we are out and about.

History: In the past, we have had some great home school days out and the highlight of the day has been the City Museum. Located in the heart of the historic city the museum tells the story of England's ancient royal city - the seat of Alfred the Great. we easily spend a good part of the morning here jsut looking, touching and working our way through the history time line. The model of Winchester is a great crowd please as we can spot the high street and other important places.

R.E linked with and History : for over 900 years, people have come to seek inspiration in this amazing cathedral. The cathedral has homeschooling in mind and there is a tour around the cathedral and a art workshop, both last 45 to 60 minutes depending on age by their learning team, and you can learn about the gargoyles and the stain glass windows. The building is just amazing - it was made before we had cranes!

History linked with D and T : There is a very rare surviving example of an urban corn mill dating around the reign of King Alfred (over a 1000 years ago). They are also set up for homeschoolers, with a year round activity book.

History Linked with Art: There is the Great Hall to visit, which is one of the finest surviving medieval ailsed halls of the 13th century and which was once part of the magnificent Winchester Castle. The castle was first built in 10676 by William the Conqueror shortly after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. In the 1222, Henry III began building of the Hall. Thomas Malory, in the 15th century identified Winchester as the site of Camelot. In the Hall is the iconic Round Table.

The Long Gallery is home to the heroes and villains of the Great Hall's past form Kings to Queens to judges and executioners.

The Theatre Royal Winchester is the only surviving variety threader in the Uk. It is worth to book tickets to see a family show and sit in the Edwardian theatre.

There is also a very fine statue we like to visit, The Horse and Rider is a 1974 bronze sculpture by Elizabeth Frink. The work was commissioned to a site in Mayfair, London and another for Winchester. As a lot of us ride horses, and this is at eye level and not high up on a plinth we appreciate being able to see it close up.

Outside of Winchester there is the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson. Here you can discover over 350 big guns in the artillery collection. Take your time to explore the Victorian fort's tunnels, ammunition bunkers, the garrison, barrack rooms and the kitchen.

English linked with History: For the Key Stage 4 students Jane Austen's house is an enchanting country cottage where she lived and published all of her novels. Here you can step back to 1816 and follow in her footsteps as she composed her books.

S.T.E.M : Need something more up today to visit rather than history then there is Winchester Science Center and Planetarium. There is a lot to do, lots to see sandlots to touch - another one of the favourites places to visit on our previous days out, one of the best things is the large guitar where you can feel the vibrations. The Planetarium is usually our last paid for visit here and is well worth going even when it is not raining.

Geography: Chalk streams are a characteristic and attractive fearer of the British landscape. In fact, there are 283 chalk streams and these account for 85% of all the chalk streams found the world wide. Along the Winchester Trail you can follow the loop of the Itchen River as it flows through Winchester. There is a lot to see along the river and you will be transported back in time with the building found on either bank.

Physical Exercise: Just like some of the other historic city centres, Winchester has a lot to see in a small space. There are lots of maps to be found at the City Museum, that you can plan a walk around some great historic buildings and green spaces.