Our pupils had an extraordinary start to the new term on Wednesday 2 September, becoming the only primary school in the country to take part in a live global broadcast celebrating the opening of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. The broadcast took place at the British Museum with Their Majesties The King and The Queen, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and President Emmanuel Macron in attendance.
The excitement continued on Thursday 3 September, when the pupils were the only primary school exclusively interviewed live from the British Museum as part of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
The experience had particular significance for our pupils because of the tapestry’s close connection to our local area. The events depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry tell the story of 1066, including the Battle of Hastings, which took place just a few miles from our school. Seeing this remarkable piece of history in person gave pupils the opportunity to connect what they have learned in the classroom with the history and heritage of their local area.
During their interview with the BBC, pupils from Mulberry West St Leonards Primary spoke confidently and enthusiastically about their experience.
“What’s caught my eye is the vivid symbolic reference of the animals eating the prey… it could mean Harold is the swan and William the Conqueror is the lion and the lion will always win because he always gets the prey.”
“You can see the detail and the fabulous work people have put into this.”
“They were only able to use a couple of dyes. If I were the person who made the tapestry, I would want to be recognised for it. It’s so amazing and so well done!”
Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore helped to ensure that pupils from the 1066 Country were given priority access to see the impressive artefact.
We are incredibly proud of all the pupils who took part. They represented our school wonderfully, showing curiosity, confidence and a real enthusiasm for learning.
Dominic O’Regan, Principal at Mulberry West St Leonards Primary, said:
“It’s an experience they will never forget. They’ll be telling their grandchildren about this at the end of the century.”
It was a remarkable way to begin the new term: connecting with our local history, experiencing an extraordinary piece of British heritage and creating memories that our pupils will hopefully treasure for years to come.
You can read more about the visit and listen to the pupils’ interviews below.
