Year 5 Explore Elgar

Set in rolling Worcestershire countryside, National Trust -The Firs, the Elgar Birthplace Museum is a beautiful spot, with superb views of the Malvern Hills. The peace and tranquillity of this setting was only slightly disturbed on Friday when Year Five, accompanied by Mrs Etherington, Mr Hawker, Mrs Gunter, and Mrs Kilbey, arrived for a visit!

The children have been studying the life and work of Worcestershire’s very own Sir Edward Elgar in their Music lessons. They have loved finding out about how this great composer rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most famous composers in the world. Elgar’s story demonstrates many of the key growth mindset qualities we strive to develop at King’s St Alban’s, not least resilience, perseverance and determination. The children have enjoyed discovering works such as The Enigma Variations and Salut d’Amour, and have relished the opportunity to explore some of Elgar’s ideas in their own creative work.

They were keen to find out more about Elgar and his life, and the convenient location of The Firs made this an ideal research trip. Both the cottage and the main exhibition centre provided a wealth of detail, giving them the chance to view artefacts such as original manuscripts; old instruments, including Elgar’s own violin, an organette, and a piano from his father’s music shop; Elgar’s books and scientific equipment and other items from throughout his life. They were fascinated to discover that Elgar had been quite a naughty pupil at school and that he had a great many hobbies, including cycling, walking, science and dogs.

In spite of the rain, they managed to enjoy spending time in the picturesque gardens, exploring the summer-house that had once stood in the grounds of Marl Bank in Worcester, and sketching the cottage and grounds. While it was too wet for the King’s St Alban’s pupils to enjoy their usual picnic, this was a lovely trip, and the children were very excited about everything they had discovered.