School trips

My Yr 3/4 class went to Walberswick for our half termly class trip during our topic ‘water, water everywhere ‘. We were greeted by Dani by the waterside and the children were fitted for life jackets. This was done swiftly and each child was checked to ensure they were wearing it correctly. Dani and her driver then took half my class on the boat whilst the others sketched the riverbank. We then swapped over later in the morning. During the boat ride Dani covered a range of our curriculum objectives including the features of the river,nature and wildlife, the historical importance of the river and instructions on how the boat worked. This information was delivered to the children using stories and resources. The children really enjoyed the story of the lady smuggler from Southwold and Dani brought this historic story to life showing photographs and artefacts to the children. The children used binoculars and wildlife picture mats whilst on board to identify birds and wildlife. We even saw a seal. The trip was really informative for the children but also allowed them the opportunity to safely travel down the river which really bought our topic to life! Thankyou Dani for a great trip , we will see you again next year!
Testimonial from Gemma Harvey, Gillingham Primary School October 2018.

Dani and the Walberswick Ferry team took out one of our school residential groups for the first time in October 2021. This was a pilot which we will be rolling out as a standard part of our programme from 2022. I have found Dani fantastic to work with; down to earth, clear, and efficient. She was able to respond to all the Health and Safety queries we had and we felt well prepared ahead of the visit. The boat trips themselves were fantastic. The stretch of the river that Dani takes you on has so much to offer from fascinating local history including tales of smuggling and a floating cafe that shouldn't have been floating, to wildlife spotting and points of interest connected to science and geography curricula. The children loved it, Dani was engaging and friendly and there was lots to do and look out for. A letter sent from a pupil told us ' This was my first time on a boat. It was my favourite moment ever'. We are delighted that we will be working with the team again and would wholeheartedly recommend them.'
Hannah Jones McVey
Country Discovery Residential Manager and Partnership Lead