Boat cross-section

The Queen's School

Year 5 pupils (9 to 10 year olds) from The Queen's School in Richmond, Surrey, researched what life was like on board 18th-century naval boats in order to make this cross-section. Using books and the Internet, the children found out about the Temeraire's role in the Battle of Trafalgar, and also about the lives of sailors at that time.

Working in groups to design and construct the boat, the pupils developed teamwork and initiative skills. Wood was chosen for the structure of the boat to echo the original materials of the Temeraire. The children measured, sawed and then joined the wood with glue-guns, and designed and sewed the sails. The interior components were modelled out of clay.

The whole school came together for the project, which culminated in an exhibition that was enjoyed by the entire school community.

© The Queen's School. Photo: The National Gallery, London.