On Friday, our KS1 children had an unforgettable day out in Southend as part of our project based learning driving question, “What is it like at the seaside?” The trip brought our learning to life and gave the children the chance to explore the key features of a British seaside town.
We began our adventure with a walk along the beach, where the children experienced the sights, sounds, and feel of the seaside. Many of them collected shells, observed the tide, and explored the wildlife. It was a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding through real-life exploration.
A real highlight of the day was our visit to the longest pleasure pier in the world – Southend Pier. We took the special train down the 1.33-mile stretch, which gave the children a sense of just how vast the structure is. Despite the wind giving us a very “authentic” seaside lunch experience, the children loved eating their sandwiches with a view of the sea all around them.
We also visited the Southend Pier Museum, where we stepped back in time to learn all about the pier’s history. The children had the chance to try out vintage penny arcade machines, examine old pier trains, and even explore the inside of a traditional signal box. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they connected what they were seeing with what we’ve been discussing in the classroom.
Our Southend trip was filled with discovery, learning, and laughter – and we are so proud of how brilliantly the children represented our school. They came back with sandy shoes, happy hearts, and a deeper understanding of seaside life past and present.
A huge thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and the Southend Pier Museum team who made this trip so special!
