Year 5 Trip to The Firs – The Elgar Birthplace Museum

Set in the 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 Monday when Year 5, accompanied by Mrs Etherington and Mrs Gunter 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 qualities that form some of our King’s Characteristics – not least resilience, perseverance and determination. The children have enjoyed discovering works such as ‘The Enigma Variations’ and the ‘Wand of Youth Suites’ 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 and gave them the chance to view artifacts such as original manuscripts, old instruments (including Elgar’s own violin, an organette and an aeolian harp), Elgar’s books and scientific equipment and other items from throughout his life. They were fascinated to discover that Elgar had a great many hobbies, including cycling, walking, science and dogs.

The picturesque cottage gardens provided a well-earned brain break from the exhibitions and everyone enjoyed exploring the percussion instruments in the sensory garden, a great opportunity to make some noise after all the calm learning!

A picnic in the grounds was the perfect way to round off a lovely and highly educational visit.