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Hands On History

  • Spectrum for 8 April 2012

    Pupils from Christchurch's Cashmere Primary School explore Wellington's Old St Paul's and find that uncovering the secrets and symbols of a wooden gothic cathedral is a fun way of learning. Audio

Inside Wellington’s Old St Paul’s Church, pupils from Christchurch’s Cashmere Primary School discover clues tucked away under the pews or wonder about the mystery of a carved head only recently discovered. This is all part of a hands on history programme for schools designed by Gisborne’s Te Unga Mai Trust.

Old St Pauls April A symbol traced Courtesy Heritage Connections Te Unga Mai Trust small

A symbol traced (Courtesy Heritage Connections, Te Unga Mai Trust)

The church contains secrets and symbols which reveal how it has kept pace with the Capital’s changing environment. It was built as part of Pipitea Pa but now it is embedded in a heritage landscape only a stone’s throw from parliament.

Old St Pauls April A Wllington puzzle Courtesy Heritage Connections Te Unga Mai Trust small

A Wellington puzzle (Courtesy Heritage Connections, Te Unga Mai Trust)

Spectrum’s Jack Perkins follows youngsters in their last year of intermediate as they piece together the history and significance an old wooden gothic cathedral.