T1 Children Celebrate Autumn with Conkers, Curiosity, and Cambridge History

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There’s something magical about autumn in Cambridge — and our T1 children embraced it wholeheartedly on a recent seasonal walk that blended nature, history, and joyful discovery.

children on a bridge above a river

With pockets full of excitement (and soon, conkers), the children began their adventure on the school playing fields, eagerly searching for the glossy treasures scattered beneath horse chestnut trees. The simple act of collecting conkers became a moment of wonder, sparking conversations about seasons, textures, and the natural world.

From there, the group made their way across to the Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College — a landmark steeped in history and just a stone’s throw from our school gates. As they crossed the bridge, the children waved enthusiastically to the people punting below, their smiles reflected in the ripples of the River Cam. Teachers shared stories about the college’s past, weaving in tales of architecture, tradition, and student life, helping the children connect their surroundings to the rich heritage of Cambridge.

children outside walking by a river

Back in the classroom, the conkers became tools for learning. During Discovery Time, children explored patterns, weights, and textures, while in Maths, they used their collections to practise counting, sorting, and simple addition. The natural materials added a sensory dimension to their learning, grounding abstract concepts in real-world play.

children outside walking by a river


I didn’t know conkers could be maths! I’m going to count mine every day until they turn wrinkly.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have such inspiring spaces right on our doorstep — places where learning spills out of the classroom and into the world, where curiosity leads the way, and where every walk becomes a story waiting to be told.