To augment their studies of medieval Britain in History and of microbes and disease in Science, the Year 7 pupils went to Berkeley Castle and Dr Jenner’s House.

In the morning the pupils visited the castle, which has been in existence since the 11th Century. They had a guided tour of the exterior to look at the defensive fortifications followed by a tour of the interior. Originally built as a motte and bailey, it has been changed and added to throughout its history, although it is still possible to see many of the original features.

After lunch they walked the short distance to the Jenner Museum. Here the children saw at first hand the house where Jenner worked as the local doctor back in the 18th Century and the ‘Temple of Vaccinia’ in the garden where Jenner would treat the poor.

They learned about his pioneering work on the discovery of vaccination and about the eventual eradication of smallpox as a result.