Run by Year 4 teacher Mr Jeynes, Warhammer is a game of strategy and adaptation and one of the varied enriching activities that take place on Saturdays.
There is often a quiet hive of activity in the room with games being set up, alongside tables of children quietly painting tiny Warhammer models. With fine paint brushes, they carefully apply various colours to the very detailed figures and assemble an array of miniature characters using glue. The development of the fine motor skills is really highlighted and challenged during these activities.
Mr Jeynes explained: “We’ve been playing Warhammer so far with my characters. The children have been impressed and captured by the ready-made figures. But a wonderful part of the process is to get your own figures, build and paint them up so you can then play with them. The sense of pride displayed in the ownership of the figures they have assembled, painted and soon to play with reinforces the time consuming and committed process this activity offers. Something I encourage and promote as an alternative to screen time and online devices.”
He then explained about the game itself: “The overall objective of each game is set by the players at the start. It could be, for example, to capture the flag, King of the hill or total domination. As a player, you have to focus on your strategy and try to execute it effectively, whilst adapting plans when the dice rolls don’t go your way.”
“I love the fact that young and old can play this game together. I used to play with my father, who was in the Army, and despite the age gap, we’d both have a satisfying game, though his military mind meant I rarely won! Through him I learnt my love of Warhammer (and a lot of history) and it is great to be able to share this with the children. Most of those who attend come week after week, which is fantastic because they are investing their time in the game, which ultimately makes it more exciting and satisfying.”
