Lynn pupils get creative at Holkham Hall

Budding landscape artists flexed their creative muscle when they visited historic Holkham Hall in Wells-next-the-Sea.

The 25 Year 3 pupils from West Lynn Primary School also saw their science studies come to life on the trip, which was arranged for the group by Holkham Hall’s Learning and Engagement Office, Lucy Gillett.

“Lucy was fabulous – she tailored the trip to our learning and was so helpful and enthusiastic,” said Rebecca Lopez, who is Year 3 teacher at West Lynn and accompanied the children on the day out.

“The trip to Holkham Hall linked to two main areas of learning,” she explained. “For Science – plants and the plant life cycle – we took part in a plant workshop in the walled garden, first looking at different plants around the garden, then sorting seeds. The children were very excited to see poppy pods, as we learnt about explosion as one of the methods of seed dispersal. It was lovely to see them applying their knowledge!

“For Art – landscapes – after lunch in the walled garden, we walked back and looked at features of the landscape before doing watercolour paintings of the landscape in front of the Hall. The children chose which view they would like to paint, with many choosing the lake.

“This tied in with our learning about landscape painting and landscape artists Constable and Turner, who we learnt liked to paint or sketch outside for inspiration.”

The Neo-Palladian country house was constructed for Thomas Coke, the First Earl of Leicester, between 1734 and 1764, and is situated in parkland populated by deer. The estate, which is now run by the eighth Earl, also features a nature reserve, farmland, and a beach backed by sand dunes and pine forests.

“At the start of the day, we also enjoyed an hour-long tractor and trailer ride through the park grounds,” continued Mrs Lopez. “Lucy gave us lots of information about the deer and various natural features of the park. She asked the children questions, which they answered enthusiastically, and she explained how Holkham Hall is aiming to be one of the most sustainable estates in the country.”

It was the first time the Year 3 class from West Lynn, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, had visited Holkham Hall.

“The school has done school trips to Holkham Hall with various year groups before, but this was the first time doing this specific trip and activities with Year 3 at this point in the school year,” added Mrs Lopez. “The children had a fantastic day, and we will definitely do this trip again next year.

“School trips like this benefit pupils in a wide range of ways. They are excellent for building confidence in a safe way, as pupils experience travel and a new environment with the familiarity of their classmates and staff. 

“They are also great for class bonding, as we enjoy a more relaxed environment and form memories which pupils remember for years to come. 

“Trips like this are great to consolidate learning, and provide a range of experiences and opportunities for all pupils, especially those who may not be able to have these experiences otherwise.

“The children were all beautifully behaved throughout the trip and we were very proud of them.”