Mid Hants Railway Trip
Year 4 are currently reading the classic text The Railway Children. In order to enhance our literacy topic, we visited the Mid Hants Watercress Line, where the children had the opportunity to explore a restored period railway and experience a journey on one of the heritage engines.
In order to make the trip more memorable, and to get into character, the children dressed up in Edwardian/Victorian style clothing.
The outfits were fantastic and truly brought the experience to life.
Before we departed for the first part of our journey, we were given the opportunity to climb up into the engine. The driver showed us where the coal is shovelled, in order to heat the water, which creates steam to power the engine. We were shocked at how hot it was, and gained an insight into how difficult it must have been to work in such conditions.
Soon enough we were on our way to our first destination; watching the rolling countryside pass us by. It was interesting to compare the old fashioned carriage to those that we are familiar with today. Watching the clouds of steam drift by the window and hearing the chugging of the engine, transported us back to the Victorian era.
Once we arrived at Ropley station we had a tour around the yard, and thereafter took part in a workshop. We were split into groups and each of us had a story linked to the railway. We had to present this story to our class members via role-play, poetry or art.
In the afternoon we continued our journey to Alton, before heading back to Alresford.
