Pipers Corner Senior Students Embrace World of Mythical Stories Event

On Thursday afternoon, 17 intrepid students set off in search of Mythical Stories from around the World. A Picnic Tea outside the Eco-Hut began proceedings, with mysterious Aboriginal Australian icons on the meal packs and koala clip keepsakes. Two groups, Mermaids and Pegasus, were formed and these would take turns experiencing our two Mythic Activity Realms, before the finale in the Theatre.

The first Realm, in Forest School, explored the West African tale of Anansi the trickster-spider and how, through a series of challenges, he was able to wrest stories from the sky god for mankind's benefit. By cunning and trickery, Anansi was able to perform four seemingly impossible feats: trapping a deadly swarm of hornets in a gourd; tying up the mighty python; capturing the leopard in his web; and using tree sap to ensnare Mmoatia, the mischievous fairy. 

A campfire blazed and s’mores were enjoyed all round, kindly supervised by Miss Easterbrook and Dr Sowden. Miss Faith led the groups in playing percussion instruments to bring the story to life. Under the sunshine and the trees, it was both a completely grounded and "analogue" experience, as much as it was timeless.

The Science department put together a mesmerising set of activities that brought Chinese star lore into contact with modern day space exploration. Boarding passes and passports stamped, students entered the Realm through an "air lock" to emerge in a stunningly-lit laboratory where they could gaze up at the stars and Chinese lanterns. The students heard the tale of Sichen and Ebo, two legendary brothers placed at opposite ends of the night sky as the constellations of Shen (Orion), and Xin (Scorpius). Another famous tale captured in the constellations was that of Zhi Nu, the spinning damsel, and Niu Ling, the ox-herd, forever to be separated despite their love by the astral river that is the Milky Way.

Students then created their own constellation jars, experienced what gravity feels like on other planets, before being rocketed back down to earth with spectacular (though controlled) pyrotechnics. Enormous thanks to the astronauts - Mr Crocker and Mr Speakman - and the kimonoed Science Technicians, Dr Morton and Mrs Mullen, for creating this remarkable experience for the students.

Finally, the event came to close in the Arts Centre Theatre, where two traditional British legends were recounted in an immersive setting: magical lighting, sound effects and costumes all enhanced retellings of the Legend of the Ghillie Duh, and of Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow. It was a fitting end to lovely afternoon of activities that took the students to the culturally diverse corners of the globe. A heartfelt thanks must go to Mr Hancock and Ms Beever for making the world of British Myth a beautiful (and amusing!) one.

Students headed home with a bag of magical jellybeans of their own, (best eaten, not planted), a new appreciation of other mythic traditions, and big smiles on their faces; the ultimate aim.

An enormous thank you to our Library Team and staff for hosting such an informative and inspiring event.