On a recent school trip to Portsmouth, the children in Year 4 enjoyed a truly memorable day investigating how land is used in the different areas of Portsmouth and to enhance our understanding of whether Portsmouth is a gateway to the world.
We travelled to Portsmouth Harbour by train, and upon arrival at Havant Station, the excitement grew as we eagerly awaited our trains arrival. The journey was swift, and soon after disembarking at Portsmouth Harbour Station, we gathered to discuss how land is utilised in this area. The pupils found evidence of various transport links, including the Gosport and Isle of Wight ferries, as well as further travel with available train services leading to London.
After our discussion, we walked through to Gunwharf Quays, where we discovered and followed the Millennium chain. The pupils marvelled at the iconic Spinnaker Tower as we made our way toward Old Portsmouth. Continuing our journey, we passed the historic Hot Walls and took time to explore Portsmouth Cathedral before reaching the Garrison Church, noted for its missing roof. During our visit, we discussed Portsmouth’s significance as a maritime city, prompting engaging conversations among the pupils. They actively searched for clues related to the city’s maritime history throughout our walk, fostering an appreciation for its rich heritage.
As we walked, we also practiced compass skills at various points along the way. Using landmarks such as the Spinnaker Tower, we learned to utilise compasses effectively. The children particularly enjoyed this hands-on exploration, and were able to spot other Compasses en route such as the weather vane on the Catherdral and a compass plaque embedded in the ground near the hot walls.
After a wonderful morning of exploration, the children conducted a survey in a designated area to discover why people visit Gunwharf. This further fieldwork activity provided valuable insights into the area’s usage and enabled the pupils to connect their learning to real-world observations.
Finally, we made our way back to Gunwharf Quays to catch our return train to Havant. Despite the grey skies and occasional light showers, the enthusiasm of the pupils remained high, and they relished the opportunity to explore Portsmouth and the surrounding area.
Overall, the trip was a fantastic educational experience, effectively blending exploration, practical skills, and insightful discussions about Portsmouth land use, how it connects to the world and the maritime history which was evident throughout.