Learning about the world around them is part of the programme for Gilbert Institute students — in school and out. On Thursday, October 11 Marlene Jantzen's Primary 4 students travelled through time to visit historic St. George's with Bermuda National Trust education director Nicola O'Leary as guide.

Wearing outfits from an earlier time, including mop caps and plus fours, the young historians began their journey at the statue of Sir George Somers.

There they learned more about the discovery and early settlement of our Island home. At the World Heritage Centre, the students learned about some of the important people in Bermuda's early history — Juan de Bermudez, Diego Ramirez and Venturilla. They looked at the model of the town of St. George as it might have been from Captain John Smith's drawing and marvelled at all the activities going on.

A scavenger hunt encouraged the students to look at the exhibits more closely.

Tucker House was the next stop, where the children tried to imagine life without electricity, especially in the kitchen.

Later on the tour, at Mitchell House, run as a museum by the St. George's Historical Society, the students learned about beds and baths (water pumped by hand!) and ways to measure and stir in a kitchen before being treated to a taste of Johnny bread (journey bread)

The church has had an important role to play in Bermudian culture, and the students learned a number of reasons why St. Peter's Church in particular is so special.

Absorbing the ambience of this historic site, the students were made aware of just how beautiful the organ can sound as Clair Spencer demonstrated range of sounds produced by the different stops.

At the Bermudian Heritage Museum the students learned about a number of Bermudians who have made a difference in our history — nurses and cricketers, social activists, master craftsmen, sportsmen — the untold stories of those with courage and determination to surpass their circumstances.

"The students from Mrs. Jantzen's class were a delight to have in St. George's," declared Dr. O'Leary. "They were keen and eager and willing to absorb as much as they could."

A few days later, on Saturday, October 13, students and their parents explored a part of Bermuda closer to home. As one way of celebrating the Year of the Family, the Institute's PTA organised a 5K fun walk and scavenger hunt which took students and their parents along the Railway Trail as far east as Grape Bay and as far west as Southcote Avenue.

A quiz/scavenger hunt encouraged participants to pay closer attention to their surroundings, both natural and man-made.

Suzanne DeCouto, PTA president, noted that though the turnout was small, those who participated enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

"The walk was great! I was a winner, since I came first across the line!" declared Scott Redmond, though his mom told him it was not a race.

Cory Booth noted that he had never done a walk before so it was fun, while dad Darren Booth observed: "It was great way to get to know other parents."

Water and juices provided by Dunkley & Pioneer Dairies helped keep the walkers hydrated along the way.

Teachers interested in arranging a school tour of St. George's can do so by contacting Dr. O'Leary at 236-6483 or emailing her at noleary[AT]bnt.bm.