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Outside the Classroom
Experiential learning is the key to real understanding. Learning by doing, playing, getting wet or muddy, dressing up and actually taking part in things is learning for life and is what memories are made of.
At Berkhampstead, learning goes far beyond the classroom walls. Whether exploring castle battlements, marvelling at the stars in a planetarium, loading a cannon, or paddling a canoe, our trips are packed with excitement and discovery. From stately homes to theatres, museums, environmental centres, rivers and castles, the opportunities are endless. Each trip is designed to inspire curiosity, foster resilience and create unforgettable memories.
Bringing History to Life
At Berkhampstead, children love to dress up and step into the shoes of historical figures—whether as Tudors, Victorian schoolchildren, or wartime evacuees. These immersive experiences bring history to life, creating unforgettable learning moments throughout their time with us.
A particular highlight for our Year 6 pupils is the trip to the The Steam Museum, where they enjoy an authentic wartime experience. Dressed as evacuees, complete with gas mask boxes and ration cards, they spend the day gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by their wartime counterparts. It’s an exciting, hands-on way to deepen their historical knowledge and bring the past vividly to life.
Mary Arden’s Farm offers a fantastic opportunity for our Year 4 historians to immerse themselves in Tudor life. This engaging trip brings the era to life with authentic costumes, traditional Tudor games, dancing and hands-on activities. Pupils try their hand at making wattle and daub, investigate the medicinal uses of herbs, and experience daily life as it would have been in the Tudor period. It’s a fascinating and memorable experience that enriches their understanding of history in a truly interactive way.
Residential Trips: Adventure and Growth
Residential trips are a highlight of life at Berkhampstead, offering pupils the chance to discover more about themselves while learning in a new and exciting environment.
During their time in Prep, children visit the Viney Hill Adventure Centre in both Year 5 and Year 6. These trips help them develop resilience, independence and character while strengthening friendships and fostering a real appreciation for the comforts of home!
Above all, pupils learn the value of teamwork and mutual support, working together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals. These experiences create lasting memories and invaluable life skills.
Inspiring Visitors
We love welcoming special guests to enrich our pupils’ learning experiences. In recent years, we were thrilled to host the brilliant children’s author Jacqueline Wilson! Olympians, Paralympians, MPs and charities have inspired us with their experiences, while Little City has delighted our Early Years children with its opportunities for role play.
Our impressive line-up also includes Music Hands (iPad music apps), the renowned Carducci Quartet, and a variety of hands-on workshops - from mosaic and wire sculpture to skipping, capoeira, and Indian dance. There’s always something exciting happening!