2025 – 2026 Highlights: Junior School History

From the bustling streets of Victorian London to the ancient courts of Anglo-Saxon kings, this past year has been an unforgettable journey through time, culture and imagination. Here is a look back at the incredible adventures, performances and discoveries that brought learning to life across Channing Junior School.

We kicked off the Autumn Term in October by celebrating Black History Month with immersive storytelling. Our Reception pupils joined the Story Tree Tickler for an enchanting adaptation of Handa’s Surprise, travelling alongside Handa and her friend Akeyo through Africa. Meanwhile, the rest of the school was captivated by Focus, an energetic storyteller who shared the fascinating histories of brilliant Black British figures who have shaped our nation.

History continued to come alive as Year 2 took to the streets of London, retracing the fateful events of the Great Fire of 1666.

In November, the school paused for Armistice Day, coming together to reflect on gratitude, remembrance and a shared global commitment to peace. Our focus then turned to the stage: Year 6 transported us to ancient lands, following the warrior-king Odysseus on his perilous ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. Not to be outdone, Year 5 swept us away to the bleak streets of Victorian London with their powerful performance of Street Child, following the life of the orphan Jim Jarvis.

The new year began in January with a spectacular clash of historical icons in the Year 4 assembly, Anglo-Saxons Got Talent. From Alfred the Great to Æthelflæd, legendary figures performed to dazzle the audience, each competing to see who would be crowned the ultimate champion.

In February, history became an overnight adventure. The Year 3 girls packed their sleeping bags and headed to the British Museum to bring Stephen Davies’ Ancient Egyptian Sleepover to life. Meanwhile, back at school, Year 6 received a special visit from historian Dr Peter Morgan, who delivered a gripping, deeply insightful talk on the realities of World War II.

In March, Year 2 invited us to “sit back, relax and enjoy the journey” as they soared through the history of aviation. With a nod to legendary pilots such as the Wright brothers, Bessie Coleman and Amelia Earhart, the pupils gracefully guided us through some of the world’s most spectacular aviation achievements.

Come April, Year 2 swapped the skies for royal stables with an exclusive trip to the Royal Mews. The children discovered the fascinating history behind its name—derived from the “mewing” (moulting) of the falcons originally kept there—and walked the very grounds that have played a central role in major state occasions, from Coronations and Jubilees to the State Opening of Parliament.

We wrapped up the academic year in June with two incredible field trips. Year 4 stepped back in time to 1599 for an unforgettable overnight stay at Ufton Court, fully immersing themselves in the life of an Elizabethan household. Meanwhile, Year 6 took to the water, stepping aboard HMS Belfast—the last surviving Royal Navy cruiser from the Second World War. Launched in 1938, the historic vessel, which famously supported the D-Day landings, offered the pupils a breathtaking, tangible link to the past.