Rolls:  Man of Speed.

Year 9 fly origami helicopters in the Atrium – Maths activity. 

2010 is the centenary of the death of Charles Rolls, pioneer motorist and aviator.  His connection with the town of Monmouth made this a particularly appropriate topic of study for the Year 9 cross curricular week, especially as the town was staging a number of events to tie in with the anniversary.  This project was eminently suitable for strengthening our links with the community.  In devising the activities we were able to work with Rolls Royce at Filton; Airbus at Bristol; Monmouth Museum; the Rolls of Monmouth Golf course and the National Trust.

The aims of the week was to harness pupils’ specific skills with reference to their multiple intelligences; develop teamwork skills; harness kinaesthetic, interpersonal and naturalistic intelligences whenever possible; develop independent learning and discover information for themselves; develop links with the wider community.

A group visit the family home of Charles Rolls.  They had already visited the Rolls Royce factory to learn about his contribution to aviation.

Monday

Science Day.  The day started with a talk from Andrew Helme, Curator of Monmouthshire Museums on Charles Rolls.  Group 1b went to Rolls Royce for their visit and the remainder of the girls took part in Science Tasks during the morning.  These ranged from making model planes to constructing box kites and an investigation into feathers and flight, plus the effect that oil spills such as the BP disaster have on birds.

Tuesday

Exploration Day.  Today was the day for the girls to get out and about and explore their themes.
Group 1A went to Airbus.
Groups 2 and 4 went to Tyntesfield Manor in Bristol.
Group 1B and 3 went to the Hendre Mansion, Llangattock Church and Monmouth Museum to look at the Rolls Exhibition.

Wednesday

Reflection Day.  Each group was debriefed today and had time to think about their visits on Tuesday.  Girls in Group 4 started their research on recipes and costumes while Group 3 had a chance to examine the school archives.  Ceramicist Kelly Campbell was in residence and many of the girls had a chance to try their hand at making ceramic chickens.  In addition there was also a challenge to make origami aeroplanes, helicopters and frisbees.  The girls had to follow instructions to make these complicated models and then evaluate how far they flew.

Following a thought-provoking power point from Mr. Meek on the effects of jet travel in the world today the girls had to explore the pros and cons of jet travel and present their findings as a role play, poster or presentation.  This allowed them time to ponder on whether Charles Rolls’s contribution to aerospace has been positive or negative.

Thursday

Activity day.  Command Tasks were enjoyed by all the girls today.  In addition, some pupils went to the museum to explore Edwardian Costume in a session called Corsets and Costume.  Having tried on various garments and examined photos of the Rolls family they then returned to school to construct their own versions.  Other members of Group 4 were busy using their Edwardian recipes and making raspberry cordial, lemonade and ginger beer.  In another group, scones, Victoria sandwiches, lemon drizzle cakes and bread were being made.  Mrs Friend was introducing Elgar and Celia Rees had the Creative Writing Group trawling for suitable words to describe Charles Rolls and his times.

Friday

Finale

During the morning the girls put the finishing touches on their presentations, food, programmes, banners and all other projects.  At the end of the morning they all assembled to listen to Celia Rees talk about writing and her latest historical novel.  In the afternoon it was time for all the groups to make their presentations and then to assemble on the meadow for an Edwardian Picnic.

Group 4 cooks get ready to serve tea

Overall the week was a wonderful success and thanks go to all of our hosts, visitors and staff who worked so hard to hard to give the girls a tremendous learning experience.  As ever, special thanks are reserved for Mrs Taylor and Mrs Green for organising the week and for putting so much effort into making it such a success.