Ustadha Sumayyah and Ustadha Summia describe a junior school visit to a local community institution.

Last Term, Lower Elementary and Children's House visited The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL), where they had the opportunity to explore Reading’s local history. Inspired by the story of Huntley & Palmer’s biscuit factory, students participated in a multisensory workshop where they were encouraged to consider how life in the local town was greatly impacted by the presence of one of the world’s largest biscuit factories.

They explored the museum to discover the ingredients and instruments needed to make biscuits, before designing their very own clay biscuits to take back to school. Once their biscuits were complete, the group ventured outdoors to enjoy the natural surroundings. The fresh air energised them as laughter and excitement filled the air while they played games and watched the chickens roam in their cages.

Students had the opportunity of exploring the museum as they tried to find the ingredients and equipment needed to make biscuits. They were given checklists and worked as a team to identify the items on the list. Students were fascinated by the old equipment used by factory workers.

Students also had the chance to make and design their very own clay biscuits. Letting their imaginations go wild, each student was given a lump of soft clay which they designed to their accord. Some carefully sculpted their clay into classic biscuit shapes – circles, rectangles, and hearts – carefully etching intricate designs onto their surfaces with tiny tools. Others opted for a more abstract approach, inspired by their favourite snacks or childhood memories. As the students worked, laughter and conversation filled the room, while they enthusiastically shared their ideas.

As the day came to close, students eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. With a sense of adventure and curiosity, they ventured outside, leaving the confines of the classroom behind. As they observed the chickens, and ran across the garden, students felt a sense of peace and connection with the natural world. They were reminded of the beauty and wonder that surrounded them, both in the museum's exhibits and in the simple pleasures of the outdoors.