Telephone: 01202 876 556
office@fernmid.dorset.sch.uk
Ferndown Middle School
Peter Grant Way Ferndown Dorset BH22 9UP

Bristol Trip 2017

Posted on 25/06/2017

The Year Six pupils engaged well with, and asked thoughtful questions, during the opportunities which they were offered on the Bristol/Bath trip this year. School staff were impressed with the behaviour and attitudes displayed by pupils – representing Ferndown Middle School in a positive light.

The stay at Grittleton House was pleasant; pupils were captivated by the grounds and slept well in the old house. We were fortunate to have sunny, hot weather for the whole week – the British weather held out for us! Both groups were lucky to have a chance to swim in the inside/outside swimming pool and use this opportunity to cool down. We enjoyed a tour of the grounds full of Mr Stow’s enchanting tales of “The History of King Grittleton and the Curse of the Weird Witches”, “How Ella Grittleton went to the Ball” and “How Sir Grittleton lost his arm”. Staff, and some pupils, recognised the close similarities to other famous novels and films! The campfires were full of laughter, songs, jokes and marshmallows.

Our day excursions included: visiting the SS Great Britain, touring the Roman Baths and discovering the wonders of science at the @Bristol Science Museum. At the SS Great Britain, pupils went under the ship so that we could see the sides and learn some of its history. Afterwards, we visited the museum where pupils had interactive activities and could dress up in Victorian clothing (naturally, this was an offer Miss Smalldon and Miss Williams simply couldn’t refuse).

Later, we visited the top of the ship, turned the wheel and investigated where the Victorians ate and slept. Pupils were fascinated by the Roman Baths and its associated history and used the auditory tour to find out more information. At the end of the tour, pupils had the chance to taste the water fresh from the spring – this appeared to need an acquired taste. @Bristol Science Museum had a variety of interactive games, activities, displays and we were fortunate to have a workshop on the Brain. Pupils loved making massive bubbles, being a weather presenter and running in a ‘hamster’ wheel to generate energy to pump water.

I would like to thank Mr Stow and Miss White-Young for organising another successful trip, the members of staff who provided a bubble of contagious enthusiasm and Mr Packear who volunteered to help. I am sure that this trip created fond memories which pupils shall remember for many years to come. Miss Smalldon