Year 7 visited Marwell Zoo (lucky things!) for one of their days in Arts Week. We decided to find out what they got up to and how it linked in with Arts week. Holly Warings and Alex Downey were bursting with enthusiasm, 'It was fantastic' said Holly, 'We saw loads of different animals.' Teachers were also very keen, Mr Archer particularly as he went no less than four times!    Students saw loads of different animals and favourites included crocodiles, lions and flamingos, Catherine Fullbrook's favourite 'because they look so alien!'.    The students were really impressed by the environment the animals were living in. One year 7 commented that 'it was great to see that the animals had a lot of space and that they looked happy.' The day did have a learning focus though. Students had a work book to fill in and had to focus on different animals and their movements. The work that they completed in the zoo could then be used in later arts sessions. Lucy Gill commented 'it was great to see all of the African animals'. The trip also included a special educational talk which had lots of amazing facts and details! Overall the favourite event had to be the train that travelled throughout the park, enabling everyone to see the animals with the minimum of effort! Tired, but happy, the year 7's returned to school and agreed an excellent time was had by all!

African Courting   Customs

Our reporter Robert Russell delved into old and new African customs associated with love. He writes' if you've ever been out with someone, you'll know that it can be quite costly - you know, birthday presents, Christmas presents and anniversary presents on top of that. Well, if you thought that was expensive, that is nothing compared to some of the customs I've researched. In certain cultures in Africa, when a man wants to ask a girl to marry him it is a very complicated procedure. He has to amass jewellery, gold and other examples of wealth and give it to the girl he fancies. However, he still isn't guaranteed her hand in marriage. And if she does reject him, she keeps the jewellery and ex pensive items! A very hazardous business you may well think..

This is not the only unusual tradition,'Broom Jumping' is another. It came about many, many years ago. Because African slaves couldn't legally get married, they created their own ceremonies and rituals to honour their unions. Broom Jumping was one of these. Today the ceremony can be performed once the minister announces the couple man and wife, or at the reception afterwards. The reason for this ceremony is to symbolise a new be ginning or the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new.

So the next time you try to pluck up your courage to ask someone out, remember things could be much more difficult!

Amazing facts from Africa

Did you know?

Africa is the second largest continent in the world.

There are 53 different countries in Africa as well as the world's largest river, the Nile, which is 4160 miles long!

The  largest mountain, Kilimanjaro, is volcanic and on the equator. Therefore it is one of the hottest places in Africa but it also has snow on its summit! Strange - but true!

Contributors:
Robert Russell Matthew Morris Chris Long Marc Olay Tom Lynch Ben Houseman Ruth Dore Jo Patchin Sarah Lounsborough Sarah Wallace Clare Gittins Caroline Smith