Year 5 pupils from All Hallows Preparatory School have enjoyed a fun-filled day canoeing down the River Wye, as part of their topic ‘Go with the Flow’.
This much anticipated International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Year 5 trip usually involves an overnight stay. However, determined not to be thwarted by Covid restrictions preventing such residential trips, plans were swiftly put in place to ensure that the children could still enjoy key elements of the trip – the experience of being on the water and learning about its history.
“The sun was shining and there was excitement in the air as the children donned their array of colourful face masks for the journey to Monmouth,” said Year 5 teacher, Amy Douglas. “Once there and suitably kitted out with lifejackets, helmets and oars, the children took to the canoes and the adventure started. The river Wye was rather low which meant a lot of protruding rocks to navigate as they canoed downstream! Along the way, wildlife such as swans and kingfishers were spotted and some children even reported sighting otters. A highlight was the negotiating rapids, which although rather bumpy, didn’t manage to get the better of them!”
The children were accompanied by instructors from Monmouth Canoe Centre who helped to point out the wildlife and explained the importance of the river during the Industrial Revolution. They also led the children in a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ style dance and sing-off in the canoes resulting in much laughter.
“This trip enabled the children to see for themselves the various features of river systems,” added Amy. “It was wonderful for us all to have a day out together after so many special events had to be cancelled earlier in the year. We always love having the chance to bond outside the classroom and the children worked really well together in their team as we paddled our canoes. As always, having a hands-on experience adds so much value to our work back in the classroom.”