Malvern, Maps & Mountains

Earlier this week, Year 4 students from Carnforth School enjoyed an exciting train journey from Worcester Shrub Hill to Great Malvern Station as part of their Malvern, Maps & Mountains geography field trip. This memorable day combined rail safety education with hands-on learning in the beautiful Malvern Hills.

Back in November, Imogen and Tom from Platform visited Carnforth School to deliver an engaging rail safety workshop. Through interactive activities, they taught the students essential tips for staying safe around the railways, ensuring everyone was well-prepared for the journey ahead.

On the day of the trip, Tom welcomed the school group at Worcester Shrub Hill Station. He began with a rail safety briefing, and the students impressed him with their excellent knowledge, recalling key points from the workshop with confidence. Their enthusiasm and understanding set the tone for a fantastic day.

Once on board, the fun continued. Each student had decorated their own ticket, and Tom had the enjoyable task of stamping them. For seven of the children, this was their first-ever train journey, making the experience even more special.

Upon arriving at Great Malvern Station, the students were greeted by Imogen, who led the next stage of their adventure—a bespoke geography field trip exploring the Malvern Hills. With OS maps in hand, they set off on a walk up the hill, identifying and labeling key features along their route to Rose Bank Gardens. The students were rewarded with glorious views and gained a deeper understanding of how the Malvern Hills were formed.

After discovering the fascinating geology and history of the area, the group enjoyed a packed lunch and some well-deserved playtime in the fabulous Priory Park adventure playground. Refreshed and happy, they made their way back to the station to catch their return train to Worcester.

“It was amazing to see the children engaging and exploring their learning in such a rich and meaningful way. They clearly enjoyed developing their map skills and discovering the hidden history of the Malvern Hills.” – Tom, Platform’s Learning Development Officer

Thank you to GWR for providing the complimentary train tickets, which made this wonderful day possible. Everyone had a fantastic time, and the students left with lasting memories of their journey and exploration of Malvern’s natural beauty.