Today Year 1 enjoyed a fantastic workshop with the real Florence Nightingale! When we walked in, we found ourselves stepping into her home and learning all about her early life. We discovered the lessons she was taught by her teacher, Mrs Gayle, who visited the house to teach sewing, flower arranging, and painting. We even had the chance to attend one of Florence’s rich, elegant balls, where we learnt how to waltz just like the guests would have done in her time!
We also learnt that many village children didn’t go to school at all, as they were often sent to sweep chimneys or work as servants.
Next, we travelled with Florence to Crimea, taking two steam trains and a steam boat. The food on board was awful, and it made us all feel a bit seasick!
When we finally arrived, the nurses put us straight to work. We cleaned, washed, and tidied, then rolled up bandages and tended to the hurt and injured soldiers. We learned that nursing wasn’t just about treating wounds — Florence told us it was also important to reassure the soldiers, tell them they were going to be okay, and even ask about their wives to keep their spirits up.
Some of the soldiers became well enough to return to the war, and we proudly waved them off as they left the hospital.
When we returned to England, Florence told us all about the medals she received and how surprised she was that so many people knew her name.
It was a fabulous experience, and Year 1 learnt so much!
