This term as an extension of my students learning on pattern, I took them to Forty Hall, a local historic house. The aim was to widen their knowledge of pattern in the wider world and how it was used for decorative purposes in the past. We first took part in the Forty Small trail trying to find details on picture cards. This encouraged the children to really look instead of merely glancing at each room they entered. Their focus was brought to the wood carvings, plasterwork, ceramics and textiles found in the house.

Once the children had an idea of what patterns could be found, we then retraced our steps making sketches of the patterns that interested them. These sketches were then transferred into a fold out Forty Hall souvenir which tied up with a ribbon.

It was a great day, the students were exceptionally well behaved and such great pattern hunters!