Discovering History Beyond the Classroom
As part of our Black History Month activities, 17 students and three members of staff from EMBS Banbury Sixth Form travelled to Oxford on Wednesday 7 October to take part in an educational Black History walking trail, thanks to the generous support of Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP).
The trip provided students with an opportunity to explore Oxford's rich and diverse history, discover the contributions of Black individuals and communities, and deepen their understanding of the city's cultural heritage.
Exploring Oxford's Hidden Histories
During the visit, students followed the Black History Trail through Oxford, exploring significant locations and learning about the people and stories that have helped shape the city.
The group visited areas around Oxford's historic colleges, discovering more about the connections between education, history and Black heritage.
Students also visited the Pitt Rivers Museum, where they had the opportunity to learn more about Black history and its connections to Oxford, encouraging further discussion and reflection on the importance of recognising and understanding diverse histories.
Building Independence Through Travel
The trip also provided students with valuable opportunities to develop their independence and practical life skills.
As part of the experience, students were encouraged to take responsibility for aspects of their journey, including purchasing train tickets for the group and navigating their way around Oxford using maps provided by Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership.
These activities gave students the opportunity to practise essential skills such as journey planning, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and money management in a real-world setting.
By taking an active role in organising and navigating their journey, students were able to build their confidence, develop greater independence and gain practical experience of using public transport and finding their way around an unfamiliar city.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At EMBS, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Educational visits like this help students broaden their perspectives, engage with important social and cultural topics and develop skills that support them in everyday life.
The trip complemented the learning taking place across the college during Black History Month, allowing students to connect their classroom discussions with real places, people and historical experiences.
It also reflects our commitment to providing opportunities that develop not only academic knowledge, but also confidence, independence and essential life skills.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
We would like to extend a special thank you to Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP) for supporting this visit and providing our students with such a valuable learning opportunity.
Partnerships like these enable us to offer enriching experiences that encourage curiosity, develop independence and help learners connect with the wider community.
We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities that inspire our students, broaden their experiences and support their personal and educational development.
Start Your Journey at EMBS
qualifications and real pathways into employment, further education and brighter futures.
