Falconry & Dry Stone Walling

As part of the Year 8 Literacy Project linked to the natural environment, wildlife and rural crafts, last week we welcomed Northside Falconry. Over 120 students sat enthralled as they listened to Tori Woodall explain the characteristics of a range of birds of prey and the art of falconry. Even more enthralling, of course, was actually meeting some of the birds including Millie the Barn Owl, Frankie the Harris Hawk and Ozzie the Eagle Owl who silently and swiftly swooped low over our heads across the hall and tucked into rabbit’s legs as a reward. We were also introduced to falcons Oscar and Cisco. Even Miss Byron ventured into the hall and experienced a staring match with Ozzie!

Earlier in the week groups of young people, including Horticulture students in Years 9 and 10, worked with craftsman Stephen Bainbridge and his apprentice Luke Powles to learn the art of dry stone walling, creating a fine-looking dry stone wall and stone bench in a secluded corner of the schoolgrounds. It was a race against time to complete both pieces within two days but thankfully everyone put their shoulder to the wheel with encouragement from Stephen, Luke and Messrs Maddison, Lamb, Stephenson and Mawdsley!