NCW students have had the privilege of taking part in a special trip to the National Archives in Kew, which proved to be an unforgettable experience.

Exploring the Repository

Year 11 and Sixth Form History and Politics students were given rare access to the Repository, where they saw shelves filled with maps, boxes of materials and even a large lump of rock salt from the former Cheshire salt mine store. They learned about the fascinating processes behind how Government documents are preserved and stored for future generations.

Hands-On Workshops

Students then took part in a workshop studying primary source material on Elizabeth I. Thanks to the support of George Rhodes of All Able Ltd and the advice of Kate Antolak, 3D‑printed visual sources were available, helping students connect with history in new and accessible ways.

Politics in Practice

Budding Politics student Dan, explored Harold Wilson’s letters surrounding the 1975 Common Market referendum, and will be using the material to support his Extended Project Qualification on the career of Labour politician Tony Benn. Staff described the experience as having echoes of Yes Minister, while Dan was thrilled to engage directly with such pivotal documents.

Student Reflections

• Kyla shared that it “blew her mind” to touch a document once handled by Elizabeth I.

• Liv described the day as “fascinating” and loved the chance to connect with the past in such a tangible way.

A Valued Partnership

We are deeply grateful to the Education Team at the National Archives for continuing to provide our students with this enriching annual opportunity. The trip not only deepens historical understanding but also inspires students to see the past in new and meaningful ways.