Educating Ferdy

 It's all change in our flexischooling life.

Much to his dismay, Ferdy's school is no longer allowing flexischooling so we have decided to try a different one. In his new school, Ferdy will be flexischooled for two days a week and spend three days in school. Ferdy is excited about the move because a) he won't need to wear a uniform b) there are no team sports c) he can eat cashew nut sandwiches for lunch d) they seem to base a lot of their learning on stories and history e) he still quite likes being with his Mum (for the moment) so he'll get more of this. Mum is apprehensive because a) it's much further away b) we have to pay BUT also excited because a) Ferdy already seems to be much happier b) with its more relaxed and child led attitude to learning it seems to suit Ferdy better c) it will be nice to not worry about him every day. Gil is a little cross because, although he loves his current school, he wants Ferdy at the school with him.

Quest

 Influenced by Dave Pilkey and Draw With Rob (apparently, he is actually called this), Ferdy and Gil have been creating lots and lots of comic books in the past few weeks. Villainous characters include the Mark Maker, Emperor Zero, Frogella and the Pee Monster, all of whom are heroically defeated by Captain Power and Captain Cutlery.

So this Friday, when we heard that Ferdy was learning about quest stories at school, we embarked on one of our own.

The task was to climb 1079ft to reach the Yeti before he went out hunting; we needed to prove to the world that he existed. On the way up, we encountered and fought the White Witch, the Ice Monster and the Snow Queen (yes, it was quite cold).

Aided by gold energy tablets (Werthers Originals), we traced his footsteps leading towards a lake managed to catch a glimpse of him battling with the Kracken before we ran down the other side of the mountain screaming. 

We later agreed that perhaps Captain Power was a more valorous hero than we had been, therefore a comic strip based on him may be more exciting.

Captain Power and the Quest for the Villain Monster

Watch this space for the next story when Captain Power meets the Pee Monster.

The Rotten Romans

Ferdy loves the Ancient Romans. He knows lots of facts like how they wiped their bums with a sponge whilst eating dormice and flamingo hearts, that Julius Caesar was killed by his best friend Brutus with no pants on, and, most importantly how they used their own pee to wash their clothes...

So when we heard that his new topic at school was the Romans, we were all looking forward to lots of enthusiasm and excitement from Ferdy.

However, according to Ferdy, he knows about the Romans thanks so he doesn't need to learn about them..

So today was about rekindling a bit of enthusiasm.

Ferdy's music teacher started on Thursday night, beautifully combining his new sound science topic with his Romans topic, by playing him music from a lyre, a cithera and a tuba - some of the most popular instruments in Roman times.

After we had done our science on sound and maths on division (and a little bit on Roman numerals), we headed out to find a local Roman site.

Weary travellers, Ferdius Maximus and Harrietus (I ruled out the name Mummius Shoutious as suggested by Ferdy) journey to the small town Letocetum in search of their uncle Petronius, a rich nobleman who owns a large Mansio.

When they finally arrive, they are happy to find some baths which are free and where they can recuperate after their long journey. Ferdius, however is quick to point out to Harrietus that she is not allowed in as it is the afternoon and women are only allowed in in the mornings. Ferdius uses the toilet in the changing rooms and then enters the hot bath where he can sweat a lot and get the dirt removed from his skin. Harrietus has to content herself with a stroll around the garden and a few star jumps in the exercise area.

Later, after watching a few gladiator fights and chariot races, they find their uncle Petronious, who welcomes them with a sumptuous feast of peacocks eggs, wild boar and ostrich, followed by stuffed dates and fruit. Harrietus thoroughly enjoyed the many toasts they made to fellow diners and Ferdius was delighted to not use any cutlery. After a tiring day, they didn't even need to move from their beds at the table to go to sleep.

nox noctis!