Year 6 visited Whitby with Year 6 from Bourne Elsea Park for their 4-day residential from the 14^th-17th October 2024.

On Monday morning, the children eagerly arrived at school, brimming with excitement for the adventure ahead. After a coach journey, they were ready to dive into their first activity: a trail around Whitby town. During this walk, the children encountered many of Whitby’s famous landmarks, including the 199 steps, the Captain Cook statue, and the iconic whale bones. They also had a thrilling experience screaming their way through Dracula’s tunnel.

Each group engaged in a variety of activities, starting with a visit to the Whitby Museum. There, they learned about the infamous ‘Hand of Glory’ among other intriguing exhibits. The children also enjoyed some playtime at Pannett Park and capped off their adventure with a delightful boat trip on the Summer Queen!

Year 6 had the incredible opportunity to participate in a jet polishing workshop. They listened to a jet specialist who shared fascinating insights about the history of jet and its significance to Whitby. The children carefully polished their own pieces of fossilized wood, transforming them into smooth, sparkling pieces of jet.

The trip’s highlights included fossil hunting, a night walk, and a visit to the brand-new lobster hatchery. Fossil hunting was a true test of the children’s perseverance and patience as they meticulously combed the sand for hidden treasures. Each child found something special to take home, such as ammonites, sea glass, and belemnites, which sparked their curiosity about ancient marine life.

The night walk was an enchanting experience, allowing the children to explore Whitby under the stars. They listened to stories about the town’s history and legends, making the night both educational and magical.

At the lobster hatchery, the children learned about the life cycle of lobsters and the importance of marine conservation. They were fascinated by the baby lobsters and the efforts to protect and sustain the lobster population. This visit not only educated them about marine biology but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards preserving marine ecosystems.

The children had a fantastic time on the beach, savoring delicious chips from the famous Magpie Cafe. They played in the sand, building castles and digging holes, all while keeping an eye out for the sneaky seagulls that were always ready to swoop in and steal chips!  It was a delightful mix of fun and adventure, making their beach visit truly memorable.

Of course, no visit to Whitby would be complete without a trip to the breathtaking Whitby Abbey. This time, we were fortunate to enjoy glorious sunshine, which added an extra layer of magic to the day. The children were in awe of the stunning ruins and the panoramic views, making it a perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.

Every year, we eagerly anticipate our Year 6 residential trip to Whitby, where the children create memories that last a lifetime. Throughout the week, they demonstrated remarkable perseverance, friendship, kindness, and teamwork, and it was clear that each one of them flourished. All the staff who attended are incredibly proud of the children; it truly was a trip to remember. This year was especially wonderful as we witnessed new friendships blossoming between children from both schools in our AAT family.