Canal & River Trust Explorers: Trent Lock

What will students see and do?

Bring England’s waterways to life with a school trip to Trent Lock in Sawley, Long Eaton. An educational visit to this Canal and River Trust site offers pupils the opportunity to enrich their in-school lessons with immersive workshops and outdoor learning activities.

Trent Lock, the first lock on the Erewash Canal, became known as Waters Meet by boaters due to its location as the meeting point for several waterways, including the River Trent, River Soar, Trent & Mersey Canal and Erewash Canal. A large settlement emerged around the lock due to its prime location.

At Trent Lock, students will learn the important history of Britain’s locks, including the difference between canals and rivers. Children will be taken on guided walks to view the River Trent and the start of the Erewash Canal. From here, they’ll be able to take part in fun science experiments, wildlife viewing and pond dipping.

Free school visits to the lock are led by the Canal and River Trust’s team of Explorers Education Volunteers. The qualified volunteers will hold hands-on learning workshops focusing on local history, wildlife and a variety of STEM topics, including engineering for kids.

The Trust can also work with local boat companies to provide canal boat trips that are coordinated to students’ workshop sessions.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

The Canal and River Trust’s Explorers learning programme looks to broaden students’ horizons by bringing them in touch with Britain’s waterways and locks. The charity’s workshops are in line with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Children who visit Trent Lock will have the opportunity to engage with the PSHE curriculum through kids’ fishing activities. The Let’s Fish sessions aim to teach students new skills while boosting low self-esteem by targeting confidence and resilience through fishing.

On an educational trip, pupils will learn the ins and outs of local Sawley history. Children will come away buzzing with ideas and packed with River Trent facts thanks to the site’s comprehensive workshops and activities. All visits will also include a lesson on water safety for kids.

Trent Lock holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. For more school trip ideas and to view all of the activities the Trust has to offer, visit the website.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

School trip risk assessments are available on the website, and group leaders can carry out a pre-visit to complete their risk assessment as required by their school or organisation.

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