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Headteacher
Chris Coyle-Chislett

Email the Office
secretary@penpol.cornwall.sch.uk

Telephone Number
01736 753472

Our Address
2 St George’s Road, Hayle,
Cornwall, TR27 4AH

“Penpol pupils are curious, creative and courageous learners. Our school community believes in authenticity as the foundation of deep-rooted learning. Through our rich and relevant curriculum, we nurture community-minded, forward-facing international citizens of the future.”

Year 2 Storm Pendennis for a day of History and fun!!

On Tuesday, 21st October, Year 2 enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. The children travelled by coach and were full of anticipation as they prepared to explore one of Cornwall’s most historic landmarks.

On arrival, pupils were impressed by the castle’s towering stone walls and impressive sea views. They learned that Pendennis Castle was built by King Henry VIII to defend the Cornish coast from invasion. Throughout the visit, the children spotted the features of the castle they had learnt about in the classroom, bringing their learning to life. The children were able to climb to the top of the keep, where they were rewarded with panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

The children also took part in a hands-on activity, exploring artefacts from Tudor times, learning about their uses and helping them to understand life in the past.

Quotes from the children:

‘This is the best day ever, I got to see canons’

‘I can see the arrow slits’

‘The portcullis was to stop invaders’

Magic on the Mount

On  Wednesday, 24th September 2025 and Thursday, 25th September 2025, Classes 5 and 6 embarked upon magical and memorable trips to St Michael’s Mount as part of their Autumn Term topic, ‘Who’s the King of the Castle?’

Pupils enjoyed a 5-minute boat ride across the water to the island as they didn’t fancy the long swim.

We were greeted at the harbour by Kerry Rice, the Education Officer for St Aubyn Estate, who led us on a magical journey through time as we explored the historic beauty of St Michael’s Mount.

On the short but steep hike up the Mount, we discovered the ‘Giant’s Well’, where Kerry captivated the children’s imaginations with the legend of Cormoran the Giant. We learned about the story of a tyrannical giant who once lived on the Mount and how he was defeated by a local boy called Jack.

Further up the Pilgrim’s Steps, children discovered the Giant’s Heart within the cobbled path. Legend has it that if you place your toe on this magical stone, then you can feel Cormoran’s heartbeat in your chest!

Finally, we reached the castle at the top of the Mount, where the stone fortifications, battlements and canons immediately brought this period of medieval history to life. Kerry taught us the chronology of the mount’s use through time, going back over 3000 years from early Bronze Age artefacts to its use as a monastery, to the castle’s construction following the Norman Conquest of Britain.

As we explored the inside of the castle, children discovered an abundance of fascinating artefacts scattered throughout the castle’s intricate maze of rooms and buildings, including a mysteriously large leather jug and the entrance to a hidden chamber, where a 7-foot skeleton was once discovered!

After descending the steep and uneven path back down the mount, we had certainly earned a good lunch.  One final treat was in store, as Kerry led a wonderful drama activity in which they acted out the story of Cormoran the Giant – complete with an authentic blast of a horn from Kerry!

By the afternoon, the tide had gone out,  revealing the beautiful cobblestone causeway that connects the island to the mainland. We walked back along the beach and enjoyed the minibus journey back to school, minds full of the history and magic of St Michael’s Mount.