Pupils from Marine Academy Primary swapped their classrooms for platforms this term, travelling by train from St Budeaux to Plymouth railway station to bring their class story, The Runaway Train, to life.

The reception children took part in guided tours of Plymouth railway station, discovering what happens behind the scenes to keep trains running safely and on time. Station staff explained different areas of the site and answered pupils’ questions, helping them learn words linked to travel, safety, and the story.

A highlight of the visit was meeting “Duffy”, the train driver from The Runaway Train. The children were delighted to meet the character in real life and speak to him about his role.

During one of the visits, pupils also met Chloe, the Assistant Station Manager, who showed them around the station, along with two British Transport Police officers who spoke about their role in keeping passengers safe. Pupils were even invited to sit inside a police car and hear the siren, an exciting moment that got the children talking and asking more questions.

In Early Years, pupils follow a story-based curriculum designed to immerse children in carefully chosen texts, introducing key vocabulary through memorable, real-world experiences. Visits like the trip to Plymouth railway station link classroom learning to the world outside school.

Marine Academy Primary, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, supports this approach by funding six extracurricular trips or visits for every pupil each year, helping to broaden horizons, build confidence, and strengthen communication skills from an early age.

Georgina Reid, Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary, said:

“The children loved seeing how a train station works and meeting the people who work there. It was brilliant to see them using new words linked to travel, safety, and the story, asking questions, and sharing their experiences with each other. There’s no better way to learn."

Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education at the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, said:

“Trips like this help children see how what they learn in school connects with the world around them. At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are proud to support experiences that spark curiosity and bring learning to life.”