From Monday 20th -22nd of March 76 children from Herne View Church of England Primary School set off on their first ever residential adventure to Bristol. For two nights and three days the children from Year 6 explored many of the cultural highlights of the city from Brunel’s SS Great Britain to Tyntesfield National Trust, with stops at the M Shed and Bristol Aquarium along the way! These action packed 3 days showcased the city to the children and allowed the pupils of Herne View Church of England Primary School to learn – amongst other things – about the impact plastics are having on our oceans, how Victorian high-society portrayed their wealth, and how Bristol relied on it’s harbourside to become a city of significant importance with global trade, ship building and migration all shaping the city. This exciting hands on experience of city life has inspired the children to write powerful and purposeful recounts of their visit to a much loved city. Amongst the most popular moments of the trip was meeting Shelia the giant grouper fish at Bristol Aquarium and being able to feed the sharks, spotting a peregrine falcon atop a tower block from aboard our harbour tour, finding a book made out of human skin in the M Shed, learning about the horses kept aboard the SS Great Britain when it was used as a troop ship for the Crimean war and enjoying the smells from the orangery at Tyntesfield. It wasn’t all inquiring questions and lively discussions however, we did find time to enjoy the leisurely benefits of a city like Bristol, with countless “holes in one” achieved during the crazy golf it won’t be long until we will see some of our pupils at the Solheim or Ryder Cups I’m sure! Also, what seemed countless bags of popcorn were consumed during the visit to the cinema, a great time was had by all. It was wonderful for members of the public to see and indeed comment on what we already knew; that we are fortunate to have such positive, polite and inquisitive pupils. It was a pleasure to see so many happy albeit tired pupils already reminiscing about such a lasting shared memory. If I am able I’d like to thank all the staff and more so the pupils for their hard work and inspirational attitude and conduct whilst visiting Bristol. I hope this is the first of many city breaks you’ll enjoy in your lives – thank you for making this one just so memorable!
Mr Whitfield.
