By Mrs Martin (Head of Year 3)

This week, Year 3 set out on a fascinating geographical investigation, beginning with a mystery box filled with intriguing clues about Bedford’s past. Inside, they found a brick, a pointing trowel, old photographs of the town centre and maps from different periods, and objects that hinted at stories waiting to be uncovered. The girls quickly took on the role of detectives, piecing together what these artefacts might reveal about our local history.

The real adventure unfolded on Thursday at The Higgins Museum in Bedford, where the girls explored how the town first became a settlement and how it has evolved over the centuries.

One of the most compelling discoveries was the story of Bedford’s post war migration and industry. After the Second World War, as London focused on rebuilding, thousands of skilled workers came to Bedford to support the London Brickworks in Stewartby, which became a key centre for employment. Many of these workers arrived from Italy and other parts of Europe, playing a significant role in shaping the town’s diverse community.

Through artefacts, maps and interactive exhibits, the students saw how geography and industry have influenced Bedford’s development, from its early days as a riverside settlement to a thriving postwar town. By tracing these changes, they gained a deeper understanding of how communities are shaped by their geographical surroundings, linking perfectly to their current inquiry.

In the coming weeks, the girls will reflect on how Bedford’s history has shaped the town they know today and how it might continue to change in the future. Inspired by their findings, they will create “Then and Now” posters to showcase what they have learned, ensuring that their discoveries about the past enrich their understanding of the present.

Their exploration has only just begun, but one thing is clear, history is all around us, waiting to be uncovered.