On Tuesday, 3rd December, Year 3 pupils embarked on an exciting educational trip to Hayling Island, aiming to deepen their understanding of coastlines and the natural environment. Our first stop was Hayling Bridge, where students marvelled at the meeting of Chichester Harbour and Langstone Harbour and saw the bridge from the shore before heading onto the island.

Continuing our adventure, we then visited Hayling Island Sailing Club, where the sandy beach provided a perfect opportunity to compare current landscape to historical photographs, revealing the dynamic changes our shores have undergone over the years. The children examined various sea defences, including large rocks and sand dunes, essential for protecting the coastline. A highlight of the visit was ascending to the third-storey Crow’s Nest, which offered breathtaking views of Chichester Harbour, enabling pupils to identify important landmarks such as West Wittering, Chichester Cathedral, Goodwood Racecourse, Emsworth, and Portsdown Hill. The moment when a tractor lifted a large boat out of the water captivated their imaginations and sparked curiosity.

After sketching the scenery during lunch, we strolled along the shoreline at high tide to reach Hayling Island Lifeboat Station. There, we met Education Officer Linda Munro and two enthusiastic volunteer crew members, who provided insights into how the lifeboat crew prepares for rescues. Students experienced the heft of steel cap wellington boots and the bulkiness of lifejackets, bringing the learning experience to life.

Our final stop was Eastoke Corner, where the stony nature of the south-facing beach caught our attention. Here, we used maps to locate the nearby Isle of Wight and Portsmouth while noting various tourist attractions, including the light railway, cafes, shops, pubs, hotels, toilets, and car parks. This memorable day not only enriched the children’s environmental knowledge but also fostered a sense of appreciation for the many jobs that those living near the coat undertake and the vital role played by the volunteers saving lives at sea as part of the RNLI.

To see the photos from the day visit: https://youtu.be/-xjNAZrBXvg