International Day of Education
24 January
Monday 24 January was the day to celebrate the role of education for peace and development, it is also a timely reminder of how, since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, girls are being denied and education. Indeed the day highlights that millions of children around the world who live in poverty are unable to afford the opportunity to attend school.
The day also raises awareness of the fact that many adolescents and adults do not have any basic education.  Two attractions celebrating the day are Llancaich Fawr, Treharris in South Wales and Godstone Farm in Surrey.

17th Century Britain at Llancaich Fawr
There are many countries across the world today where children have little if any access to education. We are lucky in Britain that there is education for all but that was not always the case. At the beginning of the seventeenth century, there was a huge divide between both rich and poor and male and female in all aspects of life. The majority of people were illiterate as education had to be paid for which made it impossible for the poor to achieve. Poor children who could not afford education, began work at a young age, they could be employed to scare crows, tend to farm animals and work in pin factories as their hands were small and nimble. In addition, even amongst the rich, it was usually boys that went to school, girls were taught at home. The subjects too, differed as children only needed to learn what was necessary for later life. At school, boys often had to speak in Latin. They were also taught Greek, religion and mathematics. The boys practiced writing in ink by copying the alphabet and the Lord’s Prayer. Girls would be expected to take care of the home and become mothers thus they were taught to sew and cook and play music; intellectual prowess was unnecessary and could even be seen as a threat to a woman’s modesty; intellectual wives could prove difficult for their husbands to manage. It was usual for privileged children to attend school six days a week. The children at Llancaich Fawr in 1645, Mary and Jane Prichard, were privileged and belonged to a wealthy family. They would have had a private tutor to them teach them how to be good wives and mothers and run their future household.

However, the seventeenth was also known as the Age of Enlightenment, The Enlightenment, which began in the second half of the century, included a range of ideas centred on the value of human happiness, the pursuit of knowledge and ideals such freedom, toleration and equality and the separation of Church and State. The people of Britain and indeed across Europe began to fight for equality and fairness for all. This included access to education. During the second half of the seventeenth century, education and literacy, which had once been considered a privilege for only the upper classes was gradually provided to rich and poor alike. The literacy rate in Europe from the 17th century to the 18th century grew significantly partly due to the increase in printed material. The literacy rate in England in the 1640s was around 30 percent for males, rising to 60 percent in the mid-18th century. By 1714 the proportion of women able to read had risen, very approximately, to 25%, and it rose again to 40% by 1750. The Enlightenment paved the way for the education system that we know and value today.

Godstone Farm
Education is at the root of Godstone Farm’s history with its owners starting out in 1980 with the very intention of educating school children in a natural and wholesome way. Many years later education is still at the heart of the farm, with so much more to see, do and take part in. We believe that every child (and grown up) should be able to learn in an environment that suits them, and with over 40 years’ experience we’ve seen that taking learning outside the classroom opens up opportunity for everyone, no matter what their circumstances are. In recent years we’ve also seen the demand grow for access to nature and fresh air, and with 45 acres to enjoy we can tailor a visit to suit most needs. We take bookings for school, nursery, SEND (both child and adult) and Home Educator visits in the hope that we can share our love of animals and the outdoors with all ages and with people from all walks of life.

Avon Tyrrell offers unique, tailored outdoor learning programmes in the beautiful New Forest National Park all year round, come rain or shine! As leaders in outdoor learning, our skilled team has a vast range of knowledge, expertise and experience bringing learning to life through a range of tailor made programmes. Our high quality sessions, adapted to your aims and objectives, help young people realise their potential, develop life skills, build character and create memories that last a lifetime.
Why choose Avon Tyrrell for a residential or day trip?
– Open all year round
– Comfortable all weather accommodation
– Highly trained and skilled staff
– Bespoke tailored programmes
– All activities are linked to National Curriculum
– Fantastic Off-peak discounts.
Find out more: www.avontyrrell.org.uk/schools_homepage.html

For more suggestions to inspire and teach your students browse through our website for a great day out.