Seals, starfish, sharks, and seahorses helped bring a classroom topic to life, when children from three West Norfolk Academies Trust schools enjoyed a day at the Sealife Centre in Hunstanton.

The outing involved 50 Reception pupils from Clenchwarton, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn Primaries.

Clenchwarton Reception Teacher Jessica Williams accompanied her class on the trip.

“This half-term’s knowledge topic in Reception is ‘Under the Sea’,” she explained. “The trip allowed the children to see the animals we had talked about in real life, giving them a chance to ask questions and find out a bit more from the staff at the Sealife Centre too.”

She continued: “We had a self-guided trip, so we explored all the different tanks and displays in the Centre. The schools went around independently of each other, then met up at lunchtime.

“We saw various fish, seals, otters, turtles, sharks, rays, seahorses, penguins. Clenchwarton children heard a talk about seals and saw them being fed.

“All the schools had time to explore all the different displays and learn more about them. Some children had the opportunity to touch a starfish.”

Other members of staff taking part in the excursion included Reception Class Teachers Nikki Preston from Walpole Cross Keys, and Rebecca Dexter from West Lynn.

Mrs Williams added: “Out-of-school trips are important learning opportunities for children. They provide them with opportunities to consolidate their learning.

“Younger children particularly benefit from going on the coach and visiting places without their parents, as it gives them the chance to build their confidence and independence.”