Ahoy There! Our Titanic Trip Sets Sail!
On June 5th, our school adventurers from Primary 5-7 set sail (well, boarded a ferry) for a voyage to Belfast and the awe-inspiring Titanic Museum!
For some of our brave explorers, it was their very first boat trip, and while the journey started with a bit of a wobble, the Stena Line ship quickly turned into a floating fun zone! The consoles buzzed with games, chess matches unfolded, and the onboard cinema kept everyone entertained. But the undisputed champion of entertainment? The moving fish floor – it seems even the coolest discoveries can’t compete with a bit of interactive magic!
Arriving in sunny Belfast, we hopped on our minibus and made a beeline for the magnificent Titanic Museum. The children were speechless as they saw the building, an exact replica of the Titanic’s front section! Our incredible guide led us to a special spot overlooking the harbour, right where the real Titanic once stood during construction.
Our adventure really set sail with the “Abandon Ship” workshop. Working together in teams, the children had to make tough choices, prioritising the most essential items they’d need if stranded on a lifeboat. And to truly put themselves in the shoes (or life vests!) of passengers, everyone, including teachers and parents, got to experience the jostle and sway of a real life raft! Let’s just say it was an eye-opening (and maybe slightly jiggly) experience for all!
Next up, we embarked on a special visit to the S.S. Nomadic, the last remaining vessel from the White Star Line and Titanic’s very own sister ship. The children became explorers themselves, roaming freely through the historic ship before refuelling with a delicious lunch in the engine room (don’t worry, it’s a much cleaner space these days!).
After lunch, we delved into the full Titanic experience. The museum brought the story to life, from the initial dream to the construction, the fateful voyage, and the aftermath. We even took a thrilling “ride” that simulated the experience of working on this massive ship.
Following our historical journey, the gift shop beckoned, and the children emerged with a treasure trove of Titanic keepsakes. Then, with full backpacks and happy hearts, we boarded the ferry for our return trip. Thanks to the generous support from the parish of St. Joseph’s Church, we treated the children to a well-deserved chip feast – a guaranteed way to ensure a peaceful journey home!
This trip was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who joined us – your help made this adventure truly special. We set sail with a group of curious students and returned with a shipload of wonderful memories!
- UNCRC 31: Right to Leisure, Play and Culture. This trip offered a fun and engaging opportunity for the children to learn about history and explore the story of the Titanic.
- UNCRC 29: Right to Education. The entire trip served as an educational experience, allowing the children to learn about the Titanic’s construction, voyage, and legacy. The workshops and museum exhibits provided valuable historical knowledge.
- UNCRC 15: Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly. Travelling together as a class and participating in group activities like the “Abandon Ship” workshop fostered a sense of community and belonging.
- SHANARRI – Achieving, Respect, Active, Included
- SDG Goal 4: Quality Education / SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Main Meta-skills used: Communicating, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Collaboration, Adaptability, Curiosity
