Two groups of Year 4 pupils from Gaywood Primary, who had been learning about the Tudors and Stuarts, saw their studies brought to life during consecutive trips, which included the site of Ann Boleyn’s 1536 execution on Tower Green, as well as the White Tower and the Bloody Tower, and a visit to see the Crown Jewels.

“We wanted to give the children an outstanding experience exploring the Tower of London,” said Helen L’Estrange, Year 4 teacher at the school.

“It tied in brilliantly with our history curriculum learning about the Tudors and Stuarts. It also enhanced the children’s learning about cultural capital, because they saw the Crown Jewels and other information regarding the recent Coronation.”

“Many children had not been on a train or the London Underground before,” she continued. “Travelling by train and Underground was a first for many.

“We wanted to raise the profile of enriching the children’s experiences through travel on the train rather than coach.”

Fifty-eight children took part in the trips, accompanied by Mrs L’Estrange and fellow Year 4 teacher Bethan Williams, along with Deputy Headteacher Patricia Young, Teaching Assistants Mel Carter and Ilenia Freeman, Office Manager Dawn Hopgood, and five parent volunteers.

“Trips like this make the learning in the classroom real and alive,” added Mrs L’Estrange. “It makes the history they’ve learned real.”