Mayfield Primary School

Did you ever hear of a school named after a hawthorn hedge? Mayfield Primary School, right here in Cambridge, owes its name to the mayflower hedges that once bordered this very spot when it was just a series of allotments. The school’s badge, the Mayflower, connects them to the Pilgrim Fathers’ journey in 1620. Mayfield Primary School hopes to inspire its students with the same virtues of faith, endurance, freedom, and courage. At Mayfield Primary School, history isn’t just a subject; it’s a passion. They aim to instill in their students a deep understanding of Britain’s past and its place in the world. From the earliest times to present day, students develop a mental timeline, connecting different periods and understanding how events fit together. They learn to question sources, identifying biases and developing their critical thinking skills. Mayfield Primary School uses hands-on activities and engaging lessons to bring history to life. They cover a range of topics, from ancient civilizations to more recent events. Living in Cambridge gives them a unique advantage. Year 2 students, for example, visit the site of Cambridge’s former castle while learning about castles. Year 5 students explore Tudor architecture around the city as part of their Tudor studies. Mayfield Primary School even extends its history lessons beyond the classroom. Year 3 students have had the chance to become archaeologists, digging in the school grounds. Year 4 students have practiced Roman battle techniques in the school hall and on the playing field. The school also partners with local museums. They utilize loan boxes and work closely with The Fitzwilliam Museum. Teachers receive training on using museum collections to inspire students. This ensures that the learning experience is rich and engaging. Trips to places like the Shuttleworth Transport Museum, the Scott Polar Museum, Kentwell Hall, and IWM Duxford further enrich the students’ historical understanding. Even Queens’ College Library has hosted Year 3 students from Mayfield Primary School for a Tudor history day. The students explored early printed books, designed their own coats of arms, and discovered the library’s tiniest book, the palm-sized Institutio Christiana.