All aboard SS Great Britain!
It’s all about the trip this week and what a wonderful day we all had aboard SS Great Britain! Firstly, I must say how very proud myself and Miss Smith were of all the children. Their behaviour and engagement on the trip was amazing, with lots of questions and connections to our learning noticed – definitely gems in the jar for everyone! Also, may I take this opportunity here to thank our wonderful parent helpers who joined us – without your help and support these trips could not go ahead – thank you so much. We hope you had as much fun as us.
Over the past two weeks, the children have been learning all about Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous achievements in the classroom but this certainly bought the learning to life. We started our tour underneath the great ship, in the dry dock, where we got to see just how large the ship actually is - huge. We could see up close the iron hull, the screw propeller and rudder which were all part of Brunel’s engineering vison. The glass water ceiling made it feel like we were really under the sea.
We then went to the museum where the children had the opportunity to steer the ship and see the ropes and motors which would have been in the engine room. We then went into the Brunel achievement area. We tried on the infamous top hat before entering the world of Brunel and a very fancy dining room. The children hopped onto a ‘moving’ train which would have been travelling from Bristol to London on the tracks and line designed by Brunel. We saw an interactive map showing the line and the children, most knowledgably told me the starting and finishing stations (Bristol Temple Meads & London Paddington) and identified Box tunnel – another achievement of Brunel.
It was then time to hop aboard the ship. We saw the cabins for both the first class and lower-class passengers. We walked through the kitchens, seeing the fine food being prepared for the first-class passengers. Before heading into the posh dining area with fancy tableware and areas to play cards or read. Who knew, the ship even had its own doctor, hairdresser and butcher! The sun was shining as we headed up onto deck. Just like the deck hands, the children had a go at steering the great ship before sweeping and cleaning the deck! A wonderful trip as the pictures show.
Play parts for our Christmas nativity were handed out this week, if you have any queries about costumes please just asks myself or one of the Meerkat Team.
Th weather has certainly turned much colder, please ensure that your child comes to school every day with a warm waterproof coat. If you child wears a hat, gloves or scarf please ensure that they are labelled. We do not wear our outside shoes in class so please do send in slippers to keep those little toes toasty and cosy.
I will be in class every day next week with our wonderful TAs, Mrs Allen (Mon-Wed) and Miss Smith (Thurs-Fri).
Wishing you all a very happy and cosy weekend.
Mrs Jeffery, Mrs Allen and Miss Smith.
Class email – class3@westbury-inf.wilts.sch.uk
