Great detail in model castles

MEDIEVAL castles of different designs and sizes have been produced by Year Seven history students at Sidmouth College.

The 11 and 12-year-olds were tasked to design and make an impregnable castle during the Easter holidays by head of history Lelly Bebb.

"Some came up with amazing ideas, such as a dislocated drawbridge and aqueduct. I don't think we have had such a collection of brilliant ones before," said Miss Bebb, who is delighted with the historical accuracy of the designs.

Usually it is her job to choose a winner from the models made, but students from her class and that of colleague John Dale have made that job so tricky she may devise awards for each design.

"I just can't make a decision. I might ask the head to choose or give everyone a prize," she said.

Miss Bebb was struck by the attention to detail paid by students while making their models; such as the castellated castle wall that was lined and fixed by Velcro; and the innovative ideas such as building a castle over a river to ensure a constant supply of water.

"We started the project about two weeks before the holiday and did three or four lessons learning about medieval castles.

"We did medieval kings last term and they will study medieval life this term," she added.

The students were obviously delighted with their achievements, getting parents and grandparents involved in the making.

One castle not present for the line-up was made of cake, which had already been eaten.