Top School Trips -Issue 7

F EATURE S H I S TOR Y www.teachwire.net/school-trips | 35 the learning of our children, including: • Global perspective: Learning about the Maya introduces pupils to a non-European civilisation, broadening their understanding of world history and diversity. • Critical skills: Exploring the rise and fall of the Maya encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the analysis of sources. • Cross-curricular links: The Maya offer opportunities to delve into geography, maths (through their advanced numerical systems), art, science (such as astronomy) and even PE (through their interesting leisure activities, including the world’s first team sport). • Engagement: The myths, legends, and achievements of the Maya – from chocolate to pyramids – capture children’s imagination. The question, therefore, is how best to do it? One innovative way to bring their story to life is through a school trip to Cadbury World. While at first glance a chocolate-themed attraction may seem an unlikely candidate for historical learning, Cadbury World offers a unique and engaging experience that connects modern life with the legacy of the ancient Maya. On a school trip to Cadbury World, children are treated to a range of interactive, hands-on experiences that make learning both fun and memorable. Getting hands-on with the past At Cadbury World, children can follow the fascinating journey of chocolate from the rainforests of Central America – where the Maya first cultivated cacao – to modern-day Birmingham, drawing direct connections between ancient civilisations and their own lives. Engaging activities include handling real cacao pods, grinding cocoa beans, and immersive insights into chocolate manufacturing, which bring history to life through taste, touch, and exploration. There’s even a dedicated Mayan workshop, which immerses children in the myths, rituals, and daily practices of the Maya, highlighting the sacred significance of chocolate and its role in their culture. These experiences not only spark curiosity but also help pupils see the Maya as a vibrant and innovative society, making the past feel immediate and relevant. A visit to Cadbury World supports the KS2 history objective of studying a non-European society that provides contrast with British history. It also offers rich opportunities for cross-curricular learning, including: • Geography: Mapping the journey of chocolate and exploring the Maya's home. • Science: Understanding plants, food production, and the properties of materials through the chocolate-making process. • PSHE and citizenship: Exploring fair trade, cultural appreciation, and the global significance of chocolate. By linking classroom learning about the Maya to real-world experiences like those offered at Cadbury World, teachers can make ancient civilisations feel relevant and exciting. Such trips both deepen historical understanding and ignite curiosity, providing a springboard for further enquiry and appreciation of our global heritage. For teachers seeking to inspire their pupils, Cadbury World offers a surprising way to make history come alive. Making sense of THE MAYA Ruth Astley is a freelance educational writer and former assistant head and SLE. To find out more about school trips to Cadbury World, visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk There’s no better way to introduce your pupils to this fascinating ancient civilisation than with a trip to Cadbury World, says Ruth Astley … A s a passionate teacher of history, even I have found teaching ancient civilisations such as the Maya a challenge. The KS2 history curriculum specifically references “a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history”, with the Maya a suggested focus. This supports objectives around understanding similarities and differences across societies, and developing historical enquiry skills. With their hard-to- imagine timeframes, unfamiliar cultures, and distant locations, it’s difficult to make ancient peoples and their achievements seem tangible to our pupils. The Maya, in particular, can feel hard to reach from the world children know. Yet, making ancient civilisations come alive is vital to fostering historical enquiry, empathy and, most importantly, a love for one of the most exciting subjects in the curriculum! Teaching the Mayan civilisation offers us a unique opportunity to enrich pupils’ understanding of world history and diversity. The Maya were an advanced society whose achievements spanned mathematics, astronomy, art, and even the origins of chocolate. Exploring their rise and fall encourages critical thinking and historical enquiry, while their myths capture children’s imaginations. Rich learning opportunities Choosing the Maya as a topic brings a host of positives to our history curriculum and