Thanks to the superb organisational skills of Mrs Harmon, supported by Mrs Whitfield, Year 10 students enjoyed a cultural capital boost of the Victorian kind. A very interesting and thought-provoking visit to Southwell Workhouse and Infirmary. From the amazing images you see, and speaking students who enjoyed this trip, it was was one of the best experiences they have had in terms of bringing to life historical and social context, which is at the heart of many of the literary texts we read and study. Students had a lot of fun dressing up in period costumes linked to careers of the time in the infirmary; the students make convincing Victorian nurses and medical staff. Students played a range of traditional Victorian games such as hoop and stick and cup and ball. Students were also able to take full advantage of beautiful grounds in which to run and play. The austerity of the work-house was described by Mrs Harmon as ‘atmospheric and authentic.’ As this fantastic experience is ‘hands on’, it is an immersive and engaging way to learn about the hardships faced by those existing, working and surviving in the workhouse. The knowledge and understanding that our students gained from this visit, will be applied to texts such as ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Dickens’ essays and articles on crime and punishment, prison visits and his passionate and emotive speeches on ending Victorian poverty and hardship. All in all, a brilliant day out and our students and staff would thoroughly recommend a visit to Southwell’s Workhouse and Infirmary.