Exeter pupils explore local history during hands-on visit to Powderham Castle

Pupils from an Exeter primary school stepped back in time during a visit to one of the city’s best-known historic landmarks.

Children in Year 2 at Exwick Heights Primary School took part in a hands-on learning day at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, where they explored how people lived and worked in earlier centuries. 

The visit formed part of the school’s history curriculum and was designed to help pupils understand the past through practical experience.

During the day, the children baked traditional griddle cakes, helped with domestic tasks such as dusting the chapel and beating carpets, and explored rooms and hidden doors within the castle. 

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They also practised bows and curtseys, learning about everyday customs from the period.

Powderham Castle, a Grade I listed fortified manor house, provided a local setting for the visit. 

Despite wet weather, pupils remained engaged throughout the day and returned to school eager to share what they had learned.

Exwick Heights Primary School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, aims to encourage curiosity and discussion in its history teaching by giving pupils opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

Headteacher Gemma Wills said the visit helped bring lessons to life for the children. 

“It was wonderful to see the pupils so engaged and curious throughout the visit. Experiences like this give children a real sense of the past,” she said.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said first-hand experiences play an important role in learning. 

“Visits like this show how education can be enriched through exploration. It’s great to see pupils engaging so positively with local history and heritage,” she said.