Travelling Through Time

Over the last two weeks, the entire school embarked on an exciting time-travel adventure during Decades Fortnight. Each year group explored a different decade from the 1960s to the 2000s, delving into music, fashion, toys, significant events, and everyday life in both Kenya and around the world. It was a vibrant, hands-on learning experience filled with curiosity, fun, and discovery.

Our youngest learners in Early Years explored the 2000s. They discovered the growing trend of food trucks, new music styles, and popular children’s books such as The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. Through songs, stories, and imaginative play, the children stepped into life during this modern decade, sparking rich conversations and creative expression.

Year 1 and 2 pupils travelled back to the 1990s, exploring life in both Kenya and the UK. They watched iconic films like Matilda and Toy Story, explored early 90s technology such as mobile phones and CD players, and even crafted handmade toys inspired by traditional Kenyan games.

Special guests added to the experience by sharing stories, fashion trends, and dances from the decade including the Macarena. The children also dabbled in politics by creating their own house manifestos. The fortnight concluded with tasty 90s snacks and a lively dance party. Highlights included riding tyre rims and playing the much-loved Kenyan game ‘kati’.

Bright clothes, big hair, and pop legends like Michael Jackson and Madonna brought the 1980s to life for Years 3 and 4. The children learned about major global events such as the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Creative activities included designing graffiti art inspired by Keith Haring, cooking 80s-style pasta salad and mini hot dogs, and joining in on aerobics sessions with Jane Fonda videos. Watching 80s cartoons was the cherry on top of an exciting retro experience.

Years 5 and 6 immersed themselves in the 1970s, exploring every aspect from music and film to politics and hobbies. They researched popular toys and made their own pet rocks - a trend from the era. A favourite classroom moment was watching Grange Hill, a TV drama set in a 70s London secondary school.

The children reflected on the strict school rules of the past and felt thankful for their present-day learning environment. The fortnight wrapped up with a disco-inspired dance to the classic Saturday Night Fever hit Stayin’ Alive, much to the delight of the whole group.

Year 7 and 8 children took a deeper look at the 1960s, a decade marked by tremendous social, political, and scientific change. They studied the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, learning about influential leaders such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The journey continued closer to home, with a focus on Kenya’s path to independence and how similar movements swept across Africa during this pivotal era.

In Science, they explored remarkable advancements from the decade, including the Space Race and the moon landing, the first successful heart transplant in South Africa, and the discovery of the structure of DNA.

Here are more highlights of the day.