Today I had the pleasure of accompanying a trip to Hadrian's Wall, one of my favourite archaeological sites in the world. I am grateful to Mr Caldwell for organising this trip and to the other Classics and Modern Languages teachers for accompanying it.
First, we arrived at the Roman Army Museum slightly early, which allowed us to walk part of the wall and get some photos (including a 'selfie' with the Principal!) Following this, in the museum itself, pupils were taught Latin by a holographic Roman slave before seeing a short 3D film about how the wall came to be. It never ceases to amaze me, and the pupils also felt this, that the wall was built without modern machinery, limited slave power (which of course built much of the Roman Empire), and that so much of it still stands after 2000 years.
Next we went to Vindolanda where the pupils were addressed by one of their resident archaeologists, before visiting the museum, reconstructed temple, and ruins of houses, barracks and bath houses.
A good time was had by all, and for pupils who progress into S2 next week when our timetable switches over, it made for a great final day of S1. For me, it was another good opportunity to be able to get to know pupils and staff better, and to share my love of Classical archaeology and culture.
Plus.... it didn't rain a drop. Someone must have been watching over us.