Hundreds of Essex school children have enjoyed visits to St Osyth Priory during the summer term thanks to a hugely successful opening programme of free school trips.
To mark the launch of the new Priory Education Centre, pupils from 13 Essex schools explored the Estate taking part in pond dipping, tractor trailer rides, tower trips and more as they spent time in nature. A paid programme of family and education visits will be launching in August.
Workshop activities on Medieval medicine and scavenger hunts in the rose garden introduced 700 students to the legend of St Osyth and the historic significance of the Priory.
Among the first to use the new Priory Education Centre were students from:
- Mistley Norman C of E Primary School
- Frinton-on-Sea Primary School
- Fingringhoe Primary School
- Kirby Primary Academy
- Alresford Primary School
- Millfields Primary School
- St Osyth C of E Primary School
- Alton Park Junior School
- Engaines Primary School
- White Hall Academy
- Elmstead Primary School
- Oakwood Infant School
- Great Bentley Primary School
Many of the children visiting were experiencing their first ever school trip and teachers felt that the free visits gave children an opportunity to catch up on some of the experiences lost to Covid.
Mrs Williams, Alresford Primary School said: 'Our school visit to St Osyth Priory was so much fun!
‘The children loved all the activities. Highlights were running up and down the ha-ha, tractor trailer ride, scavenger hunt in the rose garden and pond dipping.’
Mrs Rees, Fingringhoe Primary School said: ‘The tractor ride was very popular but lots of the children enjoyed playing in the rose garden! They enjoyed the practical aspects the most and being outdoors.’
Mrs Stubbs, Frinton-on-Sea Primary School, said: ‘The hunt for clues in the rose garden was excellent, as was the tractor ride, and we loved how the hunt-clues told the story of St Osyth. The children loved having a picnic lunch, too!’
Mrs Stanley, Mistley Norman Primary School, said: ‘Making the herb balls [was a medieval medicine highlight] – children really enjoyed the physical activity and being able to take it home. This also fed in really well to our learning in class when we looked at Tudor medicine and herbs to help prevent the plague.’
Education Manager Laura Chesover said: ‘We could not have hoped for a better way to launch the new Priory Education Centre. The children and teachers were thrilled to finally be able to get out and enjoy a school trip and they were clearly captivated by the St Osyth legend and the fairytale surroundings of the estate. It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome the first school groups and we’re now busy planning new workshops and sessions for September to capitalize on this momentum.’
