On Wednesday 12th November, 48 GCSE students studying Modern World History, took part in a visit to the Black Country Living Museum to study Victorian life as part of their course. 
The museum in Dudley is dedicated to recreating everyday life in the late Victorian period to give visitors a sense of how people lived, worked and entertained themselves during this era, as well as to enable them to get a better understanding of the highs and lows of the Industrial Revolution. 
The students, studying Britain 1890-1918, got a greater understanding of the need for the Liberal Reforms, the role played by women during this period (in particular local celebrity Mary Macarthur) and people's experience on the World War One Home Front, which the museum has commemorated for the centenary year. 
The Year 11s had many exciting and informative talks from characters such as a motor car expert, a local "bobby", the gentleman's outfitter, a foundry worker, a blacksmith, a chemist and a 1912 schoolmistress. 
Visit leader and Lead Teacher in History, Mr Lomas, said "The visit was a rewarding experience for all students. They came away with a greater understanding of their GCSE topic and were able to put the people and events we have studied into context. The museum staff brought the whole experience to life and we are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers for their talks. It was a great opportunity to learn outside of the classroom."
Headteacher, Mr Christey, said "This was a great experience for our GCSE students. The opportunity to learn through different experiences is a valuable one and one I believe they will have got a great deal from to boost their learning in the classroom."
The trip follows on from another GCSE History visit in September involving those students studying the Schools History Project with a visit to Quarry Bank Mill near Manchester, another monument to the Industrial Revolution in Britain. 

On the evening of the 11th November 56 Year 1 and 2 pupils filled the sports hall of King Edwards for the TOP activity festival, a fun-packed evening of multi-skills activities.
They participated in a variety of activities, rotating around to ensure that all had a go at the Target throw; parachute; Space Hoppers (Oppies); Simon Says and a dice game.
It was obvious that the children enjoyed themselves thanks to the hard work of the level 3 Higher sports leadership students and King Edwards’ pupils acting as sports leaders and sports guides on the night. There were over 40 King Edwards’ students who helped. The event was well organised and well attended by sports leaders meaning that the staff from the attending schools had a stress free and enjoyable evening too!
As always, this event was well attended and the children were introduced to many functional skills within the fun environment. It was evident that all involved enjoyed the evening and hope to repeat similar activities in years to come.

Hannah James