Residents from Wilton Manor Care Home, part of the Sanders Senior Living Group, in Melton Mowbray recently enjoyed a special visit to Sherard Street Primary School, where they joined Year 3 pupils for an engaging science lesson all about the parts of a flower.
During the visit, residents took part in the classroom activity, learning alongside the children as they explored the different parts of a flower through hands-on investigation. The residents also shared their own memories of school life from years gone by, giving pupils a fascinating insight into how classrooms and learning have changed over the years.
The visit was particularly meaningful for several residents. Dr David, Resident Ambassador at Wilton Manor, was previously a scientist and continues to regularly attend meetings with his U3A group to discuss biochemistry. Elizabeth, who was a schoolteacher, also found the experience especially rewarding as it allowed her to reconnect with her lifelong passion for education.
Sherard Street Primary School’s Year 3 pupils and teaching staff warmly welcomed the group, creating a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational learning and connection.
Visits like this play an important role in bringing generations together, helping residents remain active, engaged, and connected to the local community. For the children, hearing first-hand stories about school life in the past created a special learning experience beyond the classroom lesson itself.
Louise, Lifestyle Coordinator at Wilton Manor, commented:
“We have a lovely relationship with Sherard Primary School and over the years our residents have really got to know the children and likewise, the children have got to know the residents.
The residents have been fascinated to learn all about what life at school is like today, and they loved it when the children showed them some of their work in their books. So, we were keen to take it one step further and take the residents to watch a lesson.
They were fascinated by how bright and colourful the classroom was. They loved the relationship between the children and the teachers and were also very impressed with the detail of the science lesson and the depth that the teacher went into.
They especially loved dissecting the flower to find all of its features. We can’t wait to have another lesson!”
At Wilton Manor, building strong community connections is a key part of daily life, and opportunities like this help create lasting friendships and shared experiences for both residents and local children.
