Visit to Bletchley Park

On Wednesday 31 st January, girls from our Key Stage Two coding club had the opportunity
to visit Bletchley Park, the historic home of the World War II codebreakers. The day was
filled with excitement, learning, and a deep dive into the fascinating world of codebreaking.
The girls were joined by Mr Solomon, Mrs Holden and Mrs Kearns.

Transportation and Journey: The day started with a smooth and enjoyable journey, thanks
to our wonderful minibus driver, Mr. Solomon. The journey to Bletchley Park was lots of fun and set a positive tone for the day ahead!

Guided Tour and Historic Exploration: The guided tour through the grounds and the impressive mansion provided invaluable insights into the historical significance of Bletchley Park. We were captivated by tales of the 9,000 individuals who worked at Bletchley Park during World War II in the joint effort to break codes. The mansion housed the secrets of the past, revealing the level of secrecy that those who worked there had to uphold.

Workshop Highlights: A major highlight of the trip was the fantastic workshop that engaged us in a series of codebreaking activities and challenges. The girls delved into the mysteries of
the Pigpen Cipher, Atbash Cipher, Caesar Cipher and a thrilling Morse Code session that left everyone amazed by its speed!

Hands-On Experience: The workshop also allowed us to interact with iconic machines from the era, including the Enigma machine and the Bombe machine. We had the unique opportunity to operate the Enigma machine, gaining a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by the wartime codebreakers.

Women's Contribution and Secrecy: A significant aspect of the visit was the valuable knowledge gained about the incredible work of women during World War II. We learned about the vital role played by women in the codebreaking efforts and the high level of secrecy they maintained.

Our visit was an inspiring experience for all! Our children left with a newfound appreciation for history, coding, and the remarkable individuals who contributed to the wartime codebreaking efforts. We are sure it will be a day to remember!