Video: Leeds schoolchildren see world in virtual reality on Google Expeditions

220217 Pupils at Cottingley Primary Academy School in Leeds looking through Virtual Reality viewers at different scenes including the Barrier Reef, Dinosaurs and Space.

YOUNGSTERS from a Leeds school got the chance to see some of the world's most amazing places '“ without leaving their classrooms thanks to Google Expeditions.

Pupils from Cottingley Primary Academy donned virtual reality headsets to take field trips to sites including the Great Barrier Reef off the cost of Queensland in Australia.

Google works with partners including the Royal Collection Trust, Wildlife Conservation Society and the American Museum of Natural History, to create educational content

Teachers acted as guides took their classes on exciting expeditions through collections of 360° and 3D images while pointing out interesting sights along the way.

Classes enjoyed expeditions including the Seven Wonders of the World, Meet the Dinosaurs and Explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Expeditions were linked to the topics children are learning about in class and their interests.

Hannah Marshall, Cottingley Primary Academy Year six teacher, said: “It has linked with a range of subjects- including science and history and, of course, computing

“It has been a really exciting opportunity to engage the children with their learning and help them to see things they otherwise might not be able to.

“Whilst we have a broad range of enrichment opportunities- a school trip to the Great Barrier Reef isn’t quite within our budget.”

And pupils at Cottingley Primary enjoyed the experience. One pupil said: “I thought it was breathtaking and spectacular,”

Another said: “I enjoyed the virtual experience because I travelled to places I never thought I could go to.”

A third pupil said: “It was a privilege to learn through virtual reality.”