Upper Juniors Take On Northumberland

This month, our R6 & R7 classes got the opportunity to travel to Northumberland for a whirlwind week of touring around the stunning Northumberland coastline. Flanked by three teachers, the kids set off in the early hours of a Monday morning by boat, and returned late on Friday night.

For many of the 9-11 year olds, it was the longest time spent away from home and they packed in as much sightseeing, food and fun as they could, to really make the most of the experience.

Staying in the picturesque village of Alnwick, they were within arm’s reach of Alnwick Castle, made famous as one of the Harry Potter movie locations. Certain doorways, walkways and balconies in Durham Cathedral were also recognisable from this popular film series.

Crossing the causeway to Holy Island was a much-anticipated moment, bringing the children and their teachers ever-closer to the site of the first Viking raid at the ruined Lindisfarne Priory.

Bamburgh Castle was another hugely impressive site, with breath-taking views across to the Farne Islands.

Other visits included an extensive guided tour of the city of Newcastle which took in St James' Park; a trip to Barter Books, located in a former railway station; and lots of opportunities to find out more about the North East’s industrial past at the Beamish Museum and the Discovery Museum.

The weather was glorious, with barely a need for a coat, though the kids' eye-catching yellow tour beanie hats were proudly displayed most of the time! They all conducted themselves so well, and were exemplary Rockport representatives throughout the tour.