An unforgettable residential trip for year 4

Last week the Year 4 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable three-day adventure at Hooke Court residential centre in Dorset.

The trip was designed to bring our Vikings topic to life, and it certainly did not disappoint. From hands-on historical activities to team-building experiences, our young historians embraced every moment with enthusiasm and curiosity. 

During their stay, the children explored the centre’s very own ancient history settlement, immersing themselves in Viking life. Pupils tried their hand at cooking traditional Viking meals, grinding their own flour to make bread, preparing vegetable stew and fried fish, and even had a go at baking some delicious honey and oat cakes. 

There were plentiful creative Viking activities, such as weaving and jewellery making, wool-spinning, and crafting Viking troll crosses to ward off mischevious trolls! Children also explored runes, the Viking alphabet, inscribing their own spells into clay. They even constructed wattle and daub fences just like the Vikings did centuries ago. 

Of course, no Viking experience would be complete without battle training. The children discovered how Viking society was structured and had the thrilling opportunity to practise classic Viking battle formations —armed with shields and guided by the wisdom of the Norse gods. They also put their engineering skills to the test by building Viking longships, racing them across the moat to see which vessel would reign victorious. 

One of the highlights of the trip was the Viking wedding and saga evening. Pupils watched as two Viking families, made up of CJS pupils, were joined together in an authentic ceremony before gathering around the fire to hear epic tales of adventure. The experience rounded off a raucous Viking feast, where our little warriors tucked into their meal while being regaled with traditional songs. 

Beyond the historical activities, this residential was an incredible opportunity for the children to build independence, resilience, and teamwork. For many, it was their first time away from home, and they rose to the challenge brilliantly. Their bravery, enthusiasm, and exemplary behaviour made all the teachers incredibly proud. 

We may have returned home exhausted, but we also came back with wonderful memories, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for Viking life.