PUPILS from Otterham Community Primary school have tried their hand at producing newspaper reports, after attending a play about the history of Cornwall.

The Cornish Caretakers, performed by Kernow King and Jenny Beare introduced some of the greatest Cornish men and women from history to the Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils on Friday, January 18.

Organiser and Otterham school teacher Claire Humber, said: “I had previously seen this performance at the Hall for Cornwall last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

She jumped at the opportunity when she spotted that he was taking the show on tour to Cornish schools.

Claire continued: “In total, I understand that he has visited or will be visiting 35 schools. I have also heard how disappointed some schools, parents and teachers are that they’ve missed out!”

After the play, the children wrote their own reports, which are below:

Hilarious History

Written by Tyler and Jack R:

On Friday 18th January, Class 1 from Otterham CP School had a wonderful visit from the Kernow King, who did a phenomenal performance of the ‘Cornish Caretakers’.

Before the show, the class received a history lesson about famous people from Cornwall. They had lots of fun being history detectives, which involved using artefacts that Iain Rowe (from The Cornwall Heritage Trust) had brought in so the pupils could learn more about famous Cornish people, such as Rowena Cade and John Couch Adams.

Several children agreed that their favourite person was Bobby Leach, who survived going down Niagara Falls in a barrel, but later died when he slipped on an orange peel!

After the session, they watched a breath-taking performance with the rest of the school. The school secretary commented: “I really enjoyed it,” whilst the headteacher added: “It was hugely entertaining and very educational. The whole school community learnt a lot about various characters from Cornish history.”

Everyone thought that the Cornish Caretakers (Kernow King and Jenny Beare) were extremely talented. The school wish the team the best of luck with the rest of their tour around Cornwall.

Historical Heroes

Written by Imogen and Amy:

On Friday the 18th January, Kernow King and Cornish Heritage Trust visited Otterham Primary School in North Cornwall. The students laughed a lot during their visit and loved every second of the wonderful play that was performed, called the ‘Cornish Caretakers’.

Before the play began, Class One had an intriguing workshop, which was very interesting and educational. Iain Rowe from the Cornish Heritage Trust taught the pupils about many Cornish Heroes, including Jack Nowell, John Couch Adams, Rowena Cade, Fanny Moody, Daphne Du Maurier, Richard Trevithick, Henry Trengrouse and Bobby Leach.

The class finished the workshop by carrying out their own research. They became ‘history detectives’ using artefacts that had been brought in by Iain.

Later that morning, the hilarious Kernow King and Jenny Beare performed their historical show ‘The Cornish Caretakers.’ This taught the school about other Cornish heroes, whilst seeing objects that represent them. It really brought history to life.

The head teacher, Mrs Helen Ward, commented: “The play was thoroughly entertaining and educational. I would strongly recommend adults and children alike to watch this play.”

Hannah (aged 10) reported: “My favourite part was when Jenny (Beare) pretended to be the oldest Cornish speaking lady and went to stand on a chair but missed loads of times. That was so funny!”

If you’re interested in Cornish history and would like to see this performance for yourself, then visit the Kernow King’s website www.kernowking.co.uk. It is a show not to be missed!

Comical Cornish Caretakers

Written by:Evy and Lois.

On Friday the 18th January, the amazing Ed Rowe (otherwise known as the ‘Kernow King’) visited Otterham CP School in North Cornwall, along with The Cornish Heritage Trust. The Kernow King and his team kindly preformed their brand new show ‘The Cornish Caretakers’, which is highly recommended.

Prior to the fabulous show, a workshop took place in the oldest class, which taught the children facts about Cornish inventors and innovators. The pupils of Class One learnt about many Cornish people, including Rowena Cade (creator of the Minack Theatre), Fanny Moody (opera singer) and Dolly Pentreath (the last native Cornish speaker).

After a ten minute break, the children headed into the hall to watch Jenny Beare (an amazing actress) and Ed Rowe (the phenomenal Kernow King) preform their new breath-taking and highly comical show.

Lily (aged nine) commented: “It was really educational and suitable for all ages’’. Mrs Helen Ward (the headteacher) added: “It was hugely entertaining and educational. The whole school community learnt a lot about various characters from Cornish history.”

Cornish Heroes of History

Written by: Aaliyah and Harvey

At Otterham CP School on Friday 18th of January, the Kernow King and his comical crew performed ‘The Cornish Caretakers’ and it was the most hilarious and breath taking show the children had ever seen.

The workshop, which took place first, was very educational and it taught Class One a lot about Cornish history. For example, the children learnt about John Couch Adams, who discovered Neptune and Rowena Cade, who built the Minack Theatre by hand. It really brought history to life.

After the workshop, the children uncovered more interesting facts about Cornish history when watching the humorous and talented actors, Kernow King and Jenny Beare.

They performed ‘The Cornish Caretakers’ to the whole school, including the teachers and school secretary. Mrs Ward (the head teacher of Otterham School) reported: “It was hugely entertaining and very educational.”

Many children agreed that one of the funniest parts of the show was when the Kernow King (also known as Ed Rowe) ate a three thousand year old pasty and replaced it with his mother’s, decaring that his mother’s was much better!

It was an amazing and inspiring performance by some of the best performers.

Class teacher Claire said: “As the children note in their reports, it truly was fun, inspiring and very educational. Since their visit, the children have written and sent thank you letters and newspaper reports, thus enabling them to write for a purpose!

“Both texts have received positive feedback, which has given the children a real ‘buzz’.

“Overall, a fantastic project led by a very talented, enthusiastic and knowledgeable team. They are a very talented bunch of children indeed and I am of course very proud of them.”