Y5 went to the House of Parliament and the London Eye. We walked 8 miles in total, but they saw and learnt about Westminster Abbey, Downing STreet, the Cenotaph, Nelson’s Column, the Embankment, the London Eye and of course the H o P. Whilst we were here we watched political ping pong – where the bills are passed backwards and forwards between the two houses, a live debate in the House of Commons and another one in the House of Lords. Unfortunately, their MP had broken his foot so was unable to see us, but they sent an administrator instead. The children asked some interesting questions to him! We went by coach, ferry and train and walked a lot too.

It was an amazing and very long day, but truly memorable for us all!

The class of Year 5 students were given the chance to participate in a range of science activities as part of the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival. With such an overwhelming number of children wanting to go, their class teacher – Mrs Paula Blackley – enrolled and offered to take all 26 pupils with her for the day!

“In the past, I have taken much smaller groups, up to 8, but this time I couldn’t choose some and leave the others, so I decided to take them all. I needed to provide them with the opportunity to develop their enthusiasm for learning and science!”

On the day, the children watched a show about gases. This had them hooked! They were then able to explore different sections and have fun! These included making slime; making circuits using new electrical components made from a 3D printer; using prosthetics to move items; and making crystals.

“It was a brilliant day. I loved it.” (Anna)

“An awesome day, where the children immersed themselves in a range of interactive workshops as they bridged the gap between recreation and education.” Mrs Blackley, class teacher.

The photographs show the class at the gas workshop, testing electrics, the class, understanding about the temperature of their hands and other investigations.