Exeter pupils meet 106-year-old former headteacher during care home community visit

Pupils from an Exeter primary school have taken part in a community visit aimed at strengthening links between younger and older generations, including meeting a former headteacher who is now 106 years old.

Children from Whipton Barton Federation visited Cumberland Grange Care Home as part of their Civic Awards programme. During the visit, Year 6 pupils spent time speaking with residents, playing board games and hearing about life in Exeter in previous decades.

The session was designed to give pupils an opportunity to engage with older members of the local community and gain a better understanding of how the city has developed over time.

READ NEXT: Exeter Residential Village raises £10,000 for Children's Hospice South West after year of fundraising

Care home staff said the pupils conducted themselves well throughout the visit and interacted positively with residents.

One of the residents they met was Joan, a former headteacher who recently celebrated her 106th birthday. When asked about her longevity, she replied: “Devonshire clotted cream.”

The visit forms part of Whipton Barton Federation’s wider programme of activities intended to support learning outside the classroom and encourage pupils to take part in community-based projects.

Louise Moretta, executive headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation, said the visit had been a useful experience for the children.

“Our pupils represented the school very well,” she said. 

“Spending time with the residents allowed them to learn from different generations and connect with their community.”

Whipton Barton Federation is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, which promotes initiatives aimed at developing pupils’ social awareness and community involvement.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “It is positive to see pupils engaging with different generations and contributing to their local community.

“Experiences like this support young people in developing confidence, responsibility and an understanding of the wider world.”

The school said similar activities will continue to form part of its Civic Awards programme in the future.