Our Year 5 classes had been studying the effects of the Industrial Revolution, and the topic was brought vividly to life when they visited the heritage railway, which runs narrow-gauge steam trains daily between stations at Aylsham and Wroxham.

The 54 children deepened their knowledge with visits to the workshops and locomotive sheds, and were also able to enjoy a ride through the Norfolk countryside on one of the steam trains, as well as lunch at the Whistlestop Cafe in Aylsham.

Bure Valley Railway has been open since 1990 and welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year.

“The purpose of the trip was to develop knowledge of the impact of the Industrial Revolution,” said Chelsea Rudd, class teacher at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Trips like this are important as they enrich children’s knowledge and engage pupils with the topic in a real-world scenario.

“We had a memorable, exciting and an educational day out.”