By Mrs Whomsley (Head of Year 5)

As part of the Year 5 new Unit of Inquiry for which our Central Idea is Exploration has led to new connections and understandings of the world, our Year 5 pupils have been ‘exploring’ their local area.

As part of a walking tour around the river, the pupils were asked to take on the role of an explorer and to consider how they could create a map of the area and their journey that others could follow if they were visiting the area for the first time. Whilst walking, the girls were asked to consider what they think would be important and helpful elements to include in their map. We had fun learning about the bridges across the river and other interesting facts of local history.

Upon our return to school, the girls drew maps to incorporate what they had seen and felt needed to be added to the map. This led onto further questions and reflections on how maps were created and have developed over time, as well as the practical skills needed to use them. To further our inquiry into maps, we will be visiting the Bedford Archives next week to study a range of historical maps.