Our students recently had a very special opportunity to visit Wabtec, the former Doncaster Plant Works, for what will be our final fieldwork visit to this remarkable site before it closes permanently at the end of this year. There was something particularly special and poignant about this year’s visit. Our students will be the very last group to experience this historic site before its permanent closure at the end of the year. They have had the privilege of being part of the final chapter of a place that has shaped Doncaster’s identity for generations.

The Plant Works is a significant part of Doncaster’s industrial heritage, famously producing iconic locomotives including the Flying Scotsman and Mallard. During both World Wars, the site also played a vital role in the war effort, manufacturing munitions such as 6 inch high explosive shells in WW1 and Horsa Gliders used in D-Day during WW2.

As part of their OCR GCSE History site study, our students explored the buildings, physical features and stories that make this such an important part of our local history. There really is no substitute for experiencing history first-hand.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Wabtec who have welcomed our students over the years and generously shared their knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm. A special shout-out to Damion, whose support has helped make these visits such a valuable part of our History curriculum.

XP staff have loved bringing students here each year. It has been a privilege to help them connect with Doncaster’s past and appreciate the legacy of a site that has shaped our town for generations.

A remarkable piece of Doncaster’s history, and a fieldwork experience we will truly miss.