This last year, children at River Mead have proudly represented the school during a range of off-site educational visits, as well as learning in the classroom.
Headteacher, Karen Austin said, “These opportunities have really engaged the children and enhanced their learning experiences. Children have enjoyed visits to: Chepstow Castle, We The Curious, The Bristol Museum, Stonehenge, Slimbridge Wetlands, Westonbirt Arboretum sand Highclere Castle (to name a few!)
“Our local visits also included trips to Herman Miller, Westbury White Horse and Waitrose and Blenheim house.
“Children have also taken part in The Melksham Church Pilgrimage, the Melksham WW1 Centenary celebrations and the 800th Market Charter celebrations; as well as a rather well dressed team of staff in the Melksham River Festival raft race!
“Off-site activities are not only about what is learnt, but importantly about how and where learning takes place. Children make sense of the world around them, and make links between feelings and learning. They transfer learning experienced outside back to the classroom.
“Year 4 and Year 6 also both had successful residential trips this year; Year 4 to Oxenwood, and Year 6 to Kilve Court. Activities included: canoeing, climbing, grass sledging, archery, low ropes, night walk, camp fires with marshmallows and the all-important disco!
“Outdoor and adventurous learning at River Mead is very important as we strongly believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom.
“This term we have already started some exciting learning both in and out of the classroom, and during a visit from Wiltshire Air Ambulance, the children were learning how to administer CPR.
“In school parliament week Michelle Donelan came to speak to the children – and they asked her some challenging and topical questions!
– If we wanted to be an MP – what should we be doing now?
– If we voted for you, what would you do for us?
– What’s the government doing about climate change?
– Why did you want to be an MP?
– How long have you been an MP?
– What are you doing for the police?
– What is the government doing about education?
– How much do you earn a day?
– What is the government doing about the NHS?
– What are you doing about the fire brigade?
“We are all very excited about the learning opportunities the New Year will bring!”
