Toot Toot Tutankhamun

Year 3 pupils catch the train all the way back to ancient Egypt

Back in February, students from Ashcombe Primary School in Weston had the opportunity to put their rail safety and confidence training with Platform into practice with not one, not two, but three train rides. And, as if rail travel wasn’t fun enough, throughout the day they also participated in a range of enriching educational experiences to build on their existing knowledge of ancient Egypt.

Train #1: Weston-super-Mare to Clifton Down

The first leg of their trip took them from their local station, Weston-super-Mare, all the way to Clifton Down. The 50-minute journey meant that they had plenty of time to enjoy the views, have their personalised train tickets clipped and complete a booklet of Egyptian-themed tasks that set them up well for the rest of the day’s learning.
The first half of the day took place at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery where the students spent time exploring the ‘Egypt’ room, focusing on the beliefs the ancient Egyptians held about life and death. They also visited the ‘World Wildlife’ room where they learnt about Egypt’s geography, including its climate and terrain, with explicit reference made to the African animals in the cases nearby.

Train #2: Clifton Down to Bristol Temple Meads

The second train leg saw them retrace their steps to Clifton Down Station and catch the train down to Bristol Temple Meads. Five minutes’ walk from the station and they found themselves entering the magical world of Loco Klub: a one-of-a-kind underground nightclub and arts venue in the cavernous space beneath the passenger shed that once housed the ash pits of the original station.

After lunch and more Egyptian-themed activities, the school returned to Temple Meads to await their third and final train of the day.

Train #3: Bristol Temple Meads to Weston-super-Mare

Full of the joys of train travel and everything they had experienced during their day out in Bristol, the atmosphere in the carriage for the final leg of their trip was one of calm contentment, with the students reflecting on the day, looking out of the window, reading their copy of ‘Arlo’, and – for one or two passengers – enjoying a well-deserved 40 winks.

“I had had such a lovely day at Ashcombe Primary facilitating the pre-travel rail safety and confidence workshops, I knew we were in for a treat. All three classes were great company and impressed me, Soo and the other passengers with their safe and respectful behaviour on the train and at the stations. So impressed was one member of the public, in fact, that they contacted the school to tell them.”
Ellie Swain, Learning Development Officer for Platform

“Soo and Ellie were extremely knowledgeable about all things trains/stations and platforms. The workshop delivered by Ellie (prior to the trip) put lots of anxious children’s minds at ease and was fun and engaging. The whole trip was planned excellently and ran very smoothly as a result. The children all thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and learning that was woven in throughout the day.”
Laura Penney, Class Teacher at Ashcombe Primary School

“Toot Toot Tutankhamun is just one of many examples how Platform can enhance learning in the classroom in a fun and innovative way with a bespoke trip by rail to a relevant local destination – or in this case two venues! Complimentary rail travel generously provided by GWR saved the school the expense of hiring a coach, while pupils learned all about how to safely travel by train. A win for school finances and for the environment. The whole day is likely to live long in the minds of all those who took part.”
Heather Cullimore, Severnside Community Rail Partnership