Golden Hinde trip supports Reception’s pirate topic

As part of Reception’s project on pirates, the children recently visited the Golden Hinde. They were very brave as they were introduced to a real life Pirate, Captain Andrew. The captain welcomed Reception on board and began to tell them about how the ship was used by Sir Francis Drake to sail the seas. The children ventured below deck and took on a range of different pirate roles, including pulling in the anchor and singing pirate songs.

A highlight of the day was when the children learnt how pirates fired cannons. The children took turns at pulling the cannon into line with a hole on the side of the boat and fired away. Captain Andrew told Reception some interesting facts about the life of a pirate, including their punishments and the amount of treasure they used to collect. After the children explored the three levels below deck, it was time to return to the luxurious Captains Room where they saw a giant treasure chest and were able to steer the huge wheel of the boat. The children had a great day on board the boat and cannot wait to learn more interesting facts about pirates this term!

The purpose of the trip was to bring their learning to life, aid understanding and support the children's work in class. For example, in English the children were recently set a challenge to try and find pieces of a pirate map by meeting pirates and learning about pirate life. This has included writing letters in a bottle and creating maps.

View photos of the trip, here.