Year 8 history students at Cockburn John Charles Academy enjoyed a richly immersive journey into Britain’s past during their recent visit to the Beamish Museum in Durham, exploring what life was like in the 1800s and early 1900s.
The trip offered a full day of hands on historical experiences, from political marches to wartime recruitment and Victorian entertainment.
Students took part in a lively re enactment of the 1910 women’s suffrage march, complete with authentic clothing and passionately delivered speeches. They also staged a counter protest, examining the arguments of those who opposed women gaining the vote. Later, pupils joined a WWI recruitment march, learning how young men were encouraged to enlist and what becoming a soldier involved.
The day continued with a visit to a 1950s classroom, where students experienced the strict routines of mid century schooling. They also explored the museum’s working farm, meeting shire horses, lambs, and the turkeys, which quickly became a source of fascination. A wander down a recreated 1900s high street, a trip into the coal mine, and a stop at the old fashioned sweet shop added even more colour to the experience. The visit concluded at the Victorian funfair, where students enjoyed traditional entertainment from the era.
Headteacher Mrs Roberts praised the students’ enthusiasm, saying: “Our Year 8s threw themselves into every activity with curiosity and maturity. Beamish brought history to life for them in a way that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom.”
One student reflected on the day’s impact: “Marching for women’s rights and then seeing the other side of the argument really made me think. It felt like we were actually living in that time.”
A great day was had by all and the trip has undoubtedly deepened students’ understanding of the people, struggles, and stories that shaped modern Britain.
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn John Charles Academy
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