Last Friday, Shackleton Class went on an amazing trip to explore the River Lea and its man-made canals near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. It was a day full of discovery, history, and a whole lot of fun!

Our wonderful tour guides took us along the canals, where we got to see how rivers and canals connect and shape the area. We learned that the River Lea has a fascinating past—it was once a busy transportation route, with boats carrying goods up and down the city. The area used to be packed with factories and warehouses, buzzing with activity as goods were produced and shipped across London.

But now? The River Lea and its canals have transformed into a peaceful and vibrant space for people to visit. There are walking paths, places to relax, and lots of opportunities to learn about the history of the area. We even spotted some wildlife enjoying the water! It was amazing to see how a place that was once industrial has been reimagined as a beautiful spot for the community. We also had the opportunity to see how the canals open and close, as our tour guide demonstrated this. He explained how the canal locks change the water level in the canal so boats can go up and down hills.

This trip tied perfectly into our geography curriculum vision statement:

Be an explorer. Be global. Be outdoors.

We explored the local area like true geographers, thought about how the river has been used by people over time, and reflected on how places can change and adapt. We followed through with a lovely activity booklet along our tour, answering questions and sketching.