Pupils from the Gateway Learning Community enjoyed an enriching visit to The National Archives, where their enthusiasm for history was brought to life through hands‑on discovery. During the trip, students explored original historical documents and participated in interactive workshops designed to develop skills in examining sources, asking historically‑rooted questions, and understanding how evidence shapes our knowledge of the past. The experience offered them a unique insight into the work of archivists and the importance of preserving national records, helping to deepen their curiosity about history and connect their classroom learning with real‑world historical enquiry.