This week, junior school pupils and staff enjoyed an action-packed History Expedition Day, with all four year groups heading out on different trips designed to bring the past vividly to life. Many pupils arrived dressed for the occasion, eager to step into different periods of history and immerse themselves in hands-on learning. They returned to school full of stories, enthusiasm and new discoveries to share. Well done to all pupils and a special thanks to Mrs Handley, Mr Pidwell and Mrs Conway-Clifton for leading the trips on the day.
Form One – Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)
Form One (Year 3) enjoyed a fascinating History Expedition Day at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. As part of their studies on Ancient Egypt, pupils took part in hands-on workshops that brought the past vividly to life. They learned about the process of mummification and even had the rare opportunity to handle genuine ancient artefacts, making their classroom studies feel wonderfully real and memorable.
Upper One – Tiverton Museum
Upper One (Year 4) returned to Tiverton Museum to deepen their understanding of the Anglo-Saxons, with a special focus on their influence in Devon. The museum offered a variety of interactive activities that kept pupils engaged throughout the day. A highlight for many was trying on a warrior’s helmet—an experience that proved so popular even some of the teachers couldn’t resist joining in!
Lower Two – Buckland Abbey
Lower Two (Year 5) made their annual visit to Buckland Abbey, where they explored the dramatic history of the dissolution of the monasteries and discovered more about Sir Francis Drake’s life. This year’s trip had an extra sparkle, as the abbey was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The festive atmosphere added a cheerful twist to the day, making history feel both informative and magical.
Upper Two – Powderham Castle
Upper Two (Year 6) spent the day immersed in Victorian history at Powderham Castle. Pupils rolled up their sleeves in the castle’s kitchen to bake traditional treats, learning about culinary techniques from the past. They also helped prepare the house for the Earl of Powderham’s Christmas feast, gaining insight into festive traditions of the era. The visit was enriched by a guided tour with Daisy, the maid, and a captivating talk from Mr Kenton, the butler, who explained the atmospheric railway and shared stories about the castle’s history and its role as a family home today. It was a day that combined education, fun and a touch of seasonal charm.
