The final field trip of the year brought Year 7 to Cardiff Bay to explore the regeneration of the former dockland area south of the city centre. Our first activity involved a visit to the Norwegian Church which has stood in Cardiff Bay for nearly 150 years. Pupils watched a short film on the history of Cardiff Bay and the regeneration project which started in the late 1980s. Cardiff Bay is still Europe’s largest waterfront development project. The fact that there is a Norwegian Church in the Bay is a clear indication of Cardiff’s links to Europe and beyond. Our next location was Porth Teigr area which is currently undergoing redevelopment, this is a former dock and area of warehousing. The area includes the Dr Who Experience, the BBC Roath Lock Studios and the Welsh Government’s Centre for the Creative Industries – Gloworks. Pupils recorded evidence of the past and considered the new jobs and opportunities being created in this area of Cardiff Bay. Our next destination was Roald Dahl Plass, a multi-function public area built over a former dock. The backdrop to this area is the magnificent Millennium Arts Centre. This flagship project lies at the heart of the £2 billion waterfront regeneration scheme. Pupils carried out an environmental survey and public questionnaires before lunch. We then headed down to Mermaid Quay for an exciting boat trip around the Bay, this enabled pupils to see the £700 million International Sports Village development (which is still on-going) and the £220 million Barrage. The day finished at the Senedd Building, home of the Welsh Government. Pupils had a guided tour of this environmentally friendly building and were given a brief overview of the functions of the Welsh Assembly and how it connects to their lives.
Many thanks go to Mr Jones, Mrs Harper and Miss Leyshon for their help and support. A successful field trip, though-provoking and stimulating, a great way to finish the year.
Mr N Meek
“I loved going on the boat and the Senedd visit, it was very factual.”
“Thank you for a great trip, I learnt a great deal and the ice-cream was amazing.”
“I loved the views from the boat and the captain’s dog.”
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