BATTLE was on the agenda for Year 5 and 6 pupils from Crowcombe and Stogumber School when they reenacted a Saxon invasion of Dunster.

It completed their topic on Anglo- Saxon Britain, which began with the ancient tale of Beowolf, and built up to children creating their own Saxon village personalities complete with names, trades, costumes and customs.

Faced with flooding and overcrowding, the young Saxons debated whether to flee their homeland for 12th Century Britannia, leading to their landing on Dunster Beach.

They faced the challenge of navigating their way up from the beach to the high ground above Dunster, avoiding the native British patrols.

They were helped by the Saxon goddess of spring, Eostre, who gave them maps, charcoal pencils, a rune dictionary, food and an enchanted sword. Working together, the youngsters navigated their way past Bat’s Castle, solving puzzles, uncovering precious treasures, rescuing kidnapped companions and defeating a vicious native champion in mortal combat.

They completed their quest by recovering Eostre’s sacred statue, returning with it to their base camp and safety.

Teacher Josh Wedderkop, who planned the day, said: “Learning outside the classroom is a strength of Crowcombe and Stogumber Primary School.

“This intense day of role-play challenged the children’s map reading, field working, problem solving and teamwork skills in a highly relevant historical context closely integrated with the curriculum.

“The day was carefully structured to require the close involvement of every child, consolidating and extending their classroom learning, as well as placing them in a situation which stretched them physically and mentally.

“They returned to school elated, successful and exhausted.”