In their final visit to Ilkley to meet historian Alex Cockshott, Form 5 reflected on what they had learnt during this term’s Learning Challenge.
The class had met with Alex three times previously to wander the streets of Ilkley uncovering the history of the town, from Roman times, through Queen Victoria’s reign, and through the First and Second World Wars.
Alex took the children to the brook to talk about how people would flock to Ilkley because of its pure water and fresh air.
The spa that once stood in Ilkley treated people for a range of hydrotherapies, one of their visitors included famous author Charles Darwin.
Alex and Form 5 then went up onto the moor to talk about where things once were, and told them about the famous song ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at.
Pupils then joined in with a singalong as they belted out the famous tune!
Alex Cockshott is from the Ilkley Civic Society who work in partnership with the Manor House. They have recently started offering tours and workshops for schoolchildren so that they can find out more about their local heritage.
To round off their learning challenge, Form 5 have also been creating a tapestry of Ilkley with Mrs Smith – combining Art and Geography.
Conveniently situated on the A65 between Ben Rhydding, Ilkley and Burley in Wharfedale, Ghyll Royd School, Pre-School and Nursery is ideally located for families living in or commuting to the surrounding cities, towns and villages of Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, Burley in Wharfedale, Addingham, Menston, Guiseley, Baildon, Bingley, Otley, Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, Skipton and Keighley.
