Joint English and Geography field trip: learning in the landscape
By combining English and Geography into a single, rich field trip, Year 5 experienced how learning comes alive when subjects connect. They explored both the physical impact of human decisions and the power of place in literature.
Hindhead Tunnel
Our young geography students have been learning about transport routes, focussing on the creation of the Hindhead Tunnel, which opened 15 years ago at a cost of £370 million. They built their own models and visited the site to see the tunnel in context.
Our pupils were challenged to think about the perspectives of those affected by the tunnel including residents, commuters and tourists, both before and after its construction. They also set out to think how the surrounding environment, including local plants and wildlife, has been protected throughout the project.
A key question underpinned their learning: were the benefits of the tunnel worth the £370 million cost or could that money have been better spent on other projects by the government?
The Devil's Punchbowl
As part of the Year 5's English unit of work on The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes, the pupils then stepped into the world of blaggards and villains at The Devil's Punchbowl. After having studied the poem and learnt about the tragic fates of The Highwayman and his beloved, Bess, Year 5 could practically hear the 'tlot-tlot' of his horse's hooves as he galloped towards the old inn door.
Bringing poetry to life is vital for children's understanding and what better way to do that than hearing the legends in the very place that inspired it?
