Rowan Class visit the Discover Centre

The Discover Centre

On Tuesday 3rd January, the children were super excited to be back at school and getting ready for their first school trip into London! The children were visiting the Discover Centre in Stratford, to take part in a story telling workshop and visit the Julia Donaldson exhibition.

We started our journey on the bus and travel to Harold Wood, where the children were looking forward to getting on the train, a new experience for some!

As we joined all of the morning commuters on their way into London for work, the children were perfectly behaved and their excited faces when we passed some of the London Olympic landmarks, put a smile on the commuters faces!



After a few (hundred) games of eye spy, we arrived at Stratford, where we got the DLR to the Discover Centre. The children went down the stairs into a cosy room, where our story teller read us the Julia Donaldson book 'Room on a Broom,'. The children enthusiastically joined in and enjoyed the surroundings they were in.



Then suddenly they heard a noise... soft music! The story teller hunted around, checked the radio, but she couldn't find where the noise was coming from. The children realised that it was coming from behind the wall. The story tell asked Livi to help her push the bookcase. As they pushed, there emerged a cave full of stories which had come to life!

'Wow, that's amazing! It looks like magic!' Tutu

They found characters from a range of Julia Donaldson's books: The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Room on the Broom, A Squash and a Squeeze... and so many more! The children loved this and soon took on characters from the book, as they role played being the witch, riding the whale and rescuing Stick Man.

'This is the best place ever! I love Julia Donaldson, she's my favourite author!'

After this, the children got an opportunity to create their own story book. They began by creating a title and a front cover which they took back to school with them to finish.

'I can't wait to finish mine off.  want to show my mum.' Madalina

Before heading back to school, the children had time to play in the Discover Centre outdoor area. There were spaceships, climbing walls, cars and the children had a great time exploring and playing together.

Then it was time to head back to school. The children headed back to the busy London station and were even excited to see the trains rushing past.

The whole trip was a fantastic experience form start to finish!

A big thank you to the lovely parents of Rowan Class. You were a fantastic support on the day and looked after the children, ensuring everyone was safe and happy the whole day. Without your help, these experience would not be possible!