Last week, Year 11 GCSE History students embarked on an exciting educational visit to London, where they explored two remarkable historical sites: The Golden Hinde and The Old Operating Theatre Museum. The trip provided an immersive experience that deepened students' understanding of maritime history and the evolution of medical practices.

At The Golden Hinde, students stepped aboard a reconstructed 16th-century galleon, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by sailors during the Age of Exploration. The visit highlighted the harsh conditions, navigation techniques, and the significance of Sir Francis Drake’s voyages. Additionally, students gained a detailed knowledge of 17th-century weaponry, learning about the different types of firearms and cannons used in naval warfare, as well as the strategies employed in sea battles.

The journey continued at The Old Operating Theatre Museum, where students explored the realities of surgery before modern anesthesia. The visit shed light on early medical procedures, surgical advancements, and the development of healthcare over time.

­­­“The trip gave me a better understanding of what surgery was like during the Victorian era. I took part in a demonstration of an amputation, which showed how unsanitary and dangerous surgeries were at the time. Lying on the operating table made me feel a sense of worry—seeing all the surgical tools being taken out of boxes and realising they may have been used to cut through someone's bones. It was a fascinating experience, and I enjoyed it overall.” Lavinia.G

“I enjoyed the trip—it helped me expand my knowledge of History.” Ben.M

“The visits to the Golden Hinde and the Old Operating Theatre Museum were fascinating and really broadened my understanding. On the ship, we got a sense of what life was like at sea and learned about the Spanish Armada from the Spanish perspective. The museum provided a detailed history of medicine from medieval times to the modern era, and the guide's talk will definitely help with my revision.” Treasure.O

“The trip helped me improve my history knowledge, especially about the Spanish Armada. The guide explained key events during the naval conflict in detail. The surgical demonstration showed how operations were performed on women during the Victorian era, which has strengthened my understanding in preparation for my exams.” Juwon.A

“The Golden Hinde visit was both fun and informative. I learned a lot that will help me during my exams, and the tour guide was welcoming and funny—making everyone feel included. The Old Operating Theatre was hands-on and very detailed, and exploring the museum afterward was fascinating. There was so much to see and read about, which helped me better understand the history of medicine and boosted my confidence. Overall, the trip was enjoyable and provided me with a wealth of information for my exams.” Jessica.B

“The Golden Hinde tour was extremely engaging, as the guide not only entertained us but also shared valuable information that will be crucial for our GCSE History exams. We learned key dates, important events, and the major figures involved in the Spanish Armada conflict, all of which will support my revision.” Kaiya.T