By Mrs Inkson (Head of Year 6)

Last week, Year 6 launched their new Unit of Inquiry on Human Migration with a powerful and thought‑provoking migration walk. To begin, the girls were told they would be going on a journey and had just five minutes at home to pack a bag - without knowing where they were going or why. Many bags arrived filled with books, soft toys, and familiar comforts rather than practical essentials.

Midway through the school day, an unexpected message arrived: We had to leave immediately. The girls quickly grabbed their coats and bags and headed outside, discovering that they were simulating the experience of people forced to flee their homes due to imminent danger. With no clear destination and uncertain what lay ahead, they had to support one another, stay calm, and make quick decisions, replicating the uncertainty faced by migrants worldwide.

When they reached “the border” (the school’s car park gate), it was closed. Only a few girls had packed anything for warmth or protection, and the collective food supply was limited. Very few had brought “passports,” meaning some used the electronics they had prioritised packing to “bribe” the border guards. Along the journey, they faced challenging terrain, bad weather, and several “medical emergencies” though thankfully someone had remembered a small first aid kit, and even the swimsuit and goggles found a use crossing a river!

This immersive experience offered the girls a valuable opportunity to empathise with thousands who are forced to leave their homes each day. It will provide a springboard for deeper learning as we explore the human stories behind migration in the weeks ahead.