Galileo @ Roedean - Introduction
The initial idea of a cross-curricular project came from a group of students who met here to discuss ways in which they would like to work together on some Saturday mornings. The adults involved had had some rather different ideas, but being quick learners, we adapted to the wishes of the `clients' and fell in line!
Dr and Mrs Metham had for some time wanted to share their interest in the life of Galileo with an appropriate focus group - here was their opportunity. His life and work give endless possibilities for investigative Science and a wide range of Cross-Curricular connections.
Plan A was to use excerpts from Bertolt Brecht's ``The Life of Galileo'', but despite Old Girl connections this was not possible - it had to be all or nothing - and in our own inimitable style, we have opted for our own version of ALL!
Dr and Mrs Metham wrote a script with in-built flexibility for additions and alterations, whilst adhering closely to the historical and scientific facts.
The interval between the final decision to work on a theme related to the life and work of Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642) and the culminating performance has been relatively brief.
Over 100 students from seven schools, two dozen adults (staff and parents) ably assisted by another dozen VIth formers, have all experienced as much perpetual motion as they could possibly deal with.
The project was launched on Saturday, 9th October 1999 with a personal appearance by Galileo, aka Dr Tim Metham.
In the space of three Saturdays between October and December, and much solid work in between, a play has been rehearsed, scientific experiments performed and analysed, masks made, a filmed backdrop produced, music composed, a video diary made, a web site launched and a booklet produced.
This web site and the booklet contains a record of some of the research that was done by children involved during the project.
Frances Hillier - Roedean
December 7, 1999.
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