Knights ride in to Lincoln schools ahead of mini education trail

Two Lincoln schools were paid a special visit by one of the first half-sized knights that will form a special education programme ahead of the 2017 Lincoln Knights’ Trail.

The city-wide event runs from May 20 to September 3 in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln and the sealing of the Charter of the Forest.

As well as the walking trail which links life-sized knight sculptures across iconic city locations, Lincolnshire schools will host their very own miniature trail and education programme.

Left, Joanne Botterill and Rosie Ablewhite both hope to paint one of the Lincoln Knights. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite.

Lincoln-based social enterprise, The EBP, has worked with Lincoln Business Improvement Group (Lincoln BIG) and Wild in Art to create the education programme to embed Lincolnshire’s local history into the curriculum.

Organisers gave Monks Abbey Primary School and Lincoln Minster School an exclusive viewing of the sculptures ahead of next year’s trail.

So far 20 schools have signed up to the programme, with each due to receive their own mini knight to decorate and education packs full of resources and ideas for the classroom.

Monks Abbey Primary School head teacher Vicky Johnson said: “We are thrilled and excited to be involved in this project. We are hoping that the recent barons’ trail will inspire our children to create a fantastic knight which will be displayed across Lincoln and will take pride of place in our school.”

Alicia Corral, teacher of art, graphics and photography at Lincoln Minster School said: “To have the opportunity to be a part of this project from the start is a great opportunity to engage a range of students with public art and the city’s history.

“Our students have already been enthused by seeing the knight and are now busy discussing ideas for decorating it and bringing it to life.”

The education programme will be launched at next year’s Lincolnshire Show on June 21 and 22, where the half-sized knights will form a mini trail around the Showground.

There’s still time for schools to get involved in the programme. To be part of the education trail, email [email protected] or visit the website.

Schools signed up so far are:

• Boston Grammar School
• Boston High School
• Cherry Willingham Community School
• De Aston School
• Dunholme St Chad’s Church of England Primary School
• Eagle Community Primary School
• Hartsholme Academy
• Heighington Millfield Primary Academy
• Huntingtower Community Primary Academy
• Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School
• Lincoln Minster School
• Lincoln Monks Abbey Primary School
• Osgodby Primary School
• The Priory City of Lincoln Academy
• Priory Ruskin Academy
• Sir Francis Hill Primary School
• The Priory Witham Academy
• Waddington All Saints Primary School
• Washingborough Academy
• Welton St. Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy