SOMERSET schoolchildren travelled back in time – by sea – during a visit to Bristol.

Earlier this month, a class of five and six-year-olds from Mead Vale Primary School, in Weston-Super-Mare, set sail for Bristol to explore the SS Great Britain as part of their learning about famous historical figures.

“After stepping off the coach, the children stamped their tickets, steered the ship, and dressed up in Victorian clothes, which they said turned out to be surprisingly heavy,” a school spokesperson said.

“The voyage continued as they chose their boarding passes and began exploring the different levels of the ship – the top deck, middle deck and lower deck.

“Below deck they discovered the restaurant, the kitchen where they cooked the food, as well as the doctor’s on-board surgery.

“They also visited the dry dock where SS Great Britain was originally built in 1843.”

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The year 1 class also took part in a workshop, learning about legendary engineer and inventor Isambard Kingdom Brunel and exploring some of his inventions, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Box Tunnel and the Great Western Railway, even viewing some original designs.

“Travelling back in time to 1843, the children celebrated the launch of the SS Great Britain, however, they travelled back too far in time so had to help finish building the ship before it could set sail on its maiden voyage,” the spokesperson added.

Rachel Withers, class teacher, said the workshop was a “fantastic informative session and we learned so much and had incredible fun”.

Headteacher, Jo Jaloszynski, said: “School trips are vital to support the learning that happens in the classroom. They extend learning beyond the classroom, offering hands-on experiences that make lessons more engaging and memorable.

“They really do help children develop social skills, independence, and confidence while exposing them to new environments and cultures. Thank you to the SS Great Britain for such an amazing experience.”