Last week, Year 2 travelled back in time to 1914 so they could join Ernest Shackleton on his mission to be the first person to cross the continent of Antarctica. 
Having responded to Shackleton's newspaper advert, asking for people willing to go on a hazardous journey where safe return was doubtful, the children were put into small working parties. They prepared for the voyage by measuring ropes to make sure they were long enough to go across crevasses; checking what food was available and loading up a sledge before practising man-hauling it; and designing an expedition flag. They even wrote letters home, just in case they didn't make it back!
After refuelling with a ship's biscuit (making sure that no crumbs were wasted), the working parties headed off to Antarctica. Once there, they experienced the difficulties of trying to cross camp in a blizzard: luckily, Shackleton had insisted on putting up ropes between the tents so everyone was able to feel their way and no-one got lost.
Fresh water was going to be a problem, so the working parties made sure they knew how to melt freshwater ice. Even though this proved tricky because the wind kept blowing the flame out, some drinking water was produced and those lucky enough to taste it agreed it was delicious.
The final challenge was to cross crevasses and climb glaciers. Everyone tried their best, with all the working parties supporting and encouraging one another. The explorers even managed to spot some seals and penguins while on their trek: they will come in useful when food stores run low.
After an exhausting morning, everyone made it back safely, just like Shackleton's team a century ago, although, like them, our children didn't quite make it to the South Pole!
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