Historical places are a treasure cove of information. Trips to historical places aid the children in exploring new things. They give plenty of opportunities for the students to discover many interesting and amazing facts and provide a positive learning experience.
Keeping this in mind, Staford School organized a study tour to Residency for the students of Classes VII and VIII with a purpose to create a social, cultural, and historical awareness about Lucknow city along with a sharp focus on highlighting the importance of the monument of Residency, which had been associated with one of the biggest event of Indian awakening and struggle for independence.
The history of Residency can be traced back to 1774 AD when Nawab Shujauddaula agreed to have a British Resident stationed in Awadh. Residency was established at Lucknow when the capital of Awadh was shifted from Faizabad to Lucknow in year 1775 AD. Originally, the site of Residency belongs to Sheikhzadas. Nawab Asafuddaula started the construction of Residency in year 1775 AD for the British Resident & his staff which was completed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1800 AD. Later it was used by the chief commissioner of Awadh. The students were not only able to see the practical aspect of the chapters taught to them on the topic ‘The Revolt of 1857’ but also got acquainted with the fact that the British Residency was the place that served as a refuge for approximately 3000 British inhabitants during the time of the uprising of 1857 in Lucknow and became the monopolistic center of the British for almost 90 days.
The trip became even more fruitful and fun when the students of class VII got the opportunity to be a part of the ‘on the spot sketching competition’ organized by their teachers, Mr. Shiraz Saeed and Mr.Nirbhay Dave. The children enjoyed translating their visual impulses and producing them on the paper. They really came out with some beautiful sketches of the buildings and its various memorials such as Banquet Hall, Dr. Fayrer’s House etc.
Overall, this trip blended with a dose of hands-on-creativity was a wonderful creative experience for the students.