Rainford High students take learning outside the classroom to an exciting extent

As the end of the academic year approaches, students at Rainford High have been embarking on a range of exciting trips.  

Various subject departments in the school hosted visits to locations across and outside of the UK to further educate students in an exciting way under the sun. 

Year 8 historians travelled by coach and ferry to mainland Europe, spending time in Belgium and France. 

In Belgium, students paid their respects at the Langemark German Cemetery, Hill 60, and the Flanders Field Museum. 

Staff and students stood together for a two-minute silence at the Menin Gate as two students had the privilege of laying a wreath at the last post ceremony. 

Their day in Northern France consisted of exploration of the Somme Valley, including the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, where Mr Brown shared the story of John Roberts, a miner from Rainford, who was one of the British and Commonwealth troops, with the student historians. 

Head of history at Rainford High, Laura Williams, said: “It was rewarding to see (students) engage with living history and put what they have learned in the classroom into practice.” 

Meanwhile, the PE department jetted off to Barcelona with the boys’ and girls’ rugby teams before driving to France. 

The first couple of days entailed of kayaking along the coast, exploring coves and passageways, training sessions to focus on attack and defence movements and time spent in Perpignan city centre. 

The next day, they played multiple rugby matches against local teams, with the girls coming second to Pia Donkeys U14s, who play in the top league in France, and the boys winning against Salses XIII with a close score of 26-24. 

Rainford’s players also had the opportunity to enjoy the Catalan Dragons vs St Helen’s and were eager to show their support to their local team. 

Back in the UK, the performing arts departments took its students to London for three days to explore the city and the performing arts industry. 

Year 10 and 12 music and drama students immersed themselves in their subject, partaking in a variety of workshops at the iconic Pineapple Studios, trying their hand at productions like Wicked! and The Play That Goes Wrong. They received constructive feedback from industry professionals who inspired the students with their talent and expertise. 

A visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre provided an insight on how Shakespeare plays were performed in the 17^th century as well as how to engage audiences in such a classical style. 

For many, the highlight of the trip was seeing Wicked! at the Apollo Victoria theatre. 

Isla Burrows, a Year 12 student, commented: “It was such an incredible show, I couldn’t stop crying. I think I got so overwhelmed because I was watching people on stage do what I want to do, and it just confirmed how much I want to be a performer!’ 

Also, this term, 60 Year 8 children from the school adventured to the world-renowned Eden Project and Bristol Wild Place as part of their science education, participating in workshops, and exploring the area. 

In one workshop, students investigated plant adaptations across a tropical rainforest and Mediterranean biome, using their scientific reasoning to understand it. 

At Bristol Wild Place, they acquired knowledge about the landscape, including the progression of animal adaptation and how human life is negatively affecting it. 

Overall, everyone left the trip with a greater education and appreciation for the natural world, understanding the importance of safeguarding it and feeling motivated to make a difference. 

Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, said: “It has been a delight to see our students expand their horizons through educational trips down south and to other countries. We’re proud of the commitment they have shown to each subject area during these visits and the respect and maturity displayed whilst doing so – embodying our ethos of ‘Everyone Matters, Everyone Helps, Everyone Succeeds’. 

“It has been the perfect way to end the year and celebrate the hard work of staff and students alike. We are looking forward to the opportunities that the next academic year holds.” 

Staff at Rainford High strive to deliver learning in a creative and engaging way and were thrilled that students had an unforgettable time on their respective trips.