They swapped school desks for the seat of a coach and turned lessons on democracy into a front-row experience of the real thing during a whistle-stop visit to the capital.
Thirty pupils from Dunsford CofE Academy and All Saints Marsh CofE Academy, both part of the Learning Academy Partnership, travelled 358 miles by coach to explore London’s landmarks and institutions.
Accompanied by five members of staff, the children clocked up 16,000 steps as they took in a ride on the London Eye, a walking tour of the city and a visit to the Houses of Parliament to see democracy in action. The group also enjoyed a meal at The Giraffe.
The trip was fully funded through the Learning Academy Partnership’s 70 Before 7 initiative and the Parliament Education Fund.
It was designed to give pupils first-hand experience of the city’s culture, history and government, helping to bring classroom learning to life and broaden their understanding of the wider world.
Both schools place a focus on extending learning beyond the classroom, aiming to provide experiences that encourage pupils to explore new environments, develop curiosity and see how their learning connects to real-life opportunities.
Mr Liam O’Sullivan, headteacher at Dunsford Community Academy and All Saints Marsh CofE Academy, said: “What an unforgettable day. Our pupils were brilliant ambassadors for their schools from start to finish.
“It was fantastic to see them make the most of every moment, and a huge thank you to everyone who made this extraordinary trip possible.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive officer of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Trips like this give young people a chance to explore beyond the classroom, develop confidence, and experience first-hand the subjects and topics they learn about at school.
“It’s a joy to see pupils from Dunsford and All Saints learning, laughing, and building friendships together.”
