Towards the end of the summer term 11 learners and 4 members of staff from Somerset School went on a day trip to Belfast to visit the Titanic Museum. The trip was organised by Phil Edwards, teacher at Somerset School, following the successful day trip to Edinburgh the previous year.
The day had lots of firsts for many of the learners not least flying for the first time. With the flight taking off from Bristol it meant a very early start to the day. Everyone gathered at school at 4am and although some were still a bit sleepy the excitement levels were high. As smooth as clockwork we were outside Belfast airport at 8.30am in the rental cars and heading for breakfast and a walk around the quay.
On entering the Titanic Museum there was defiantly a sense of excitement that passed through the group. The learners were able to take themselves around in small groups and found the whole experience fascinating whether it was the artifacts that had been recovered, the stories of those who built the ship or seeing a model of the ship spinning above their heads. A highlight for everyone was the cable car ride that gave a first-hand experience into the conditions that had to be endured for those who built the Titanic.
After lunch we visited the Ulster Transport Museum another experience we would highly recommend to anyone going to Belfast. The learners again were able to explore and play on a whole range of vehicles especially the trains.
We all had our evening meal back at the airport as we waited for the flight back to Bristol which unfortunately was slightly delayed. After a long, totally rewarding and tiring day we arrived back at school to waiting parents. It was defiantly an experience the pupils won’t forget and we start planning for next years trip to Edinburgh again for the day!
