What an unforgettable adventure Year 5 had on their residential trip to Preston Montford! From stepping back into history at Iron Bridge and Blists Hill, to exploring the natural beauty of Carding Mill Valley, every moment was packed with fun and discovery.
The trip began with a visit to Iron Bridge, where the girls learned about Abraham Darby and his pioneering work with iron. Standing on the world’s first iron bridge was a real ‘wow’ moment, especially after hearing how it was made and why it became so important during the Industrial Revolution. The photo scavenger hunt challenged the group to examine how the area has changed over the last 100 years—some things were surprisingly similar, while others had completely transformed.
After arriving at Preston Montford Field Centre, the excitement really kicked in as the girls discovered who they were sharing a dorm with (cue squeals of delight and dramatic reactions!). Their first activities included orienteering or taking on the low ropes course—both fantastic opportunities to work together, test their skills, and enjoy plenty of laughs.
Day two focused on the great outdoors. The group hiked up Carding Mill Valley, taking in the stunning scenery while learning about the river’s journey from source to mouth. Using scientific skills, they measured the speed, depth, and width of the river at different points—amazed at how much it changed from top to bottom! Later, the girls went pond dipping, discovering a whole mini-world of freshwater creatures hiding just beneath the surface.
On the final day, the group was transported back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town. After changing their money into shillings and pennies, they explored the shops and workshops, with the sweet shop being the clear favourite (unsurprisingly!). The visit ended with an unforgettable experience in a Victorian schoolroom—complete with a stern teacher and chalkboards. Some were very glad discipline has changed since then, though a few teachers might secretly wish it hadn’t!
Reflecting on the trip, Mrs Freeman says: “This trip was more than just an escape from the classroom, it was a chance to bring history, geography and science to life, challenge ourselves, and make lasting memories with friends. Year 5, you were brilliant explorers, historians and scientists—and we’re already looking forward to the next adventure!”
