princesses, evil queens, and helpless kings. They weave in wizards, giants, talking animals, and magical potions. Their imaginations truly run wild! The boys apply their knowledge of the Middle Ages to create tales that take place in the countryside, castles, and villages. Once they outline, draft, and complete their fairy tales, they share their published work with their classmates. Finally, in early May the boys are ready to become knights of Saint David’s at our annual Knighting Ceremony in the Chapel. Over the course of several weeks, boys diligently prepare for the ceremony. In the homeroom, they learn about heraldry. After studying a variety of common symbols and insignia from the Middle Ages, boys choose colors and symbols to create their very own Coat of Arms, which represents their individuality and personality. Then, each boy designs and paints his own shield, which he will bring with him to the Knighting Ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, the boys change into their tunics and armor. With shields in tow, they begin the process of becoming a knight. First, the entire Third Grade comes together for a Cleansing Ceremony. The boys are told that before a young man became a knight, he would first bathe, as a symbol of purification.
Then the grade parades to the Chapel, where Dr. O’Halloran awaits them, in full regalia. The King welcomes the Third Grade to the Knighting Ceremony and the boys recite The Knight’s Creed, to demonstrate their promise to defend the good and be loyal to Saint David’s. Each boy is called to the front of the Chapel, where he genuflects before the King. Dr. O’Halloran taps a sword on each boy’s shoulders, dubs him a knight of Saint David’s, and asks him to rise. Once every third grader completes this momentous passage, the Medieval Feast commences! Eighth graders prepare an enormous feast for the third graders, complete with food, drink, and entertainment of all kinds! There are brilliant jugglers, gifted storytellers, witty jesters, talented recorder players, and even agile fencers! The Third Grade’s interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages is an essential part of their passage into the Upper School. Through rigorous academic and social pursuit, third graders not only understand, but also appreciate and value a newfound sense of responsibility, courage, modesty, and leadership.? M Amanda Rathbun teaches Third Grade at Saint David’s.
Dr. O’Halloran and some Third Grade knights at the Medieval Feast following the Knighting Ceremony.
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