Pupils in years 3 and 4 at St Michael’s C of E Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, enjoyed an unforgettable field trip this term on the steam train from Buckfastleigh to Totnes Riverside to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.
The visit coincided with the award-winning Railway 200 Exhibition Train, ‘Inspiration’, which was at Totnes Riverside station on the South Devon Railway. Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, the exhibition used rare artefacts and fascinating facts to explore how railways transformed the world.
Pupils enjoyed hands-on engineering challenges and a whistle-stop tour of interesting and lesser-known careers in the railway industry. The combination of travelling by steam train and engaging with interactive exhibits made the day both fun and educational, bringing history and innovation to life.
The South Devon Railway offers a journey back in time, recreating the golden days of travel between the 1930s and 1960s on a traditional Great Western Railway branch line running from Buckfastleigh to Totnes Riverside.
The railway’s success relies on a dedicated team of volunteers, who carry out a wide range of roles both in front of the public and behind the scenes, with many also taking an active role in the management and operation of the railway. Their commitment ensures that visitors can enjoy an authentic and memorable experience of Britain’s rich railway heritage.
Julie Edwards, Head of Academy at St Michael’s C of E Academy, said: “It was fantastic to see our pupils so engaged and curious throughout the trip. Experiencing history in motion on the steam train and learning about the future of the railway made it an inspiring day for everyone.”
Tracey Cleverly, CEO of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Trips like this give children the chance to connect learning with the real world. It’s wonderful to see them exploring history, science, and potential careers all in one exciting experience.”
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