Titanic tea dance at Peckover Primary School in Wisbech

Students at Peckover Primary School in Wisbech dressed in costumes as they ended their term in style with a themed Titanic Tea Dance. (Image: Archant)

Guests included governors and visitors, and the students prepared an assortment of food displayed on handmade and decorated cake stands.

The event was part of a Titanic project, and Year 6 students were initially recruited as draughtsmen for the shipbuilders Harland and Wolff in September, where they drew up plans and learned more about how the ship was constructed.

Classrooms have been decorated to reflect the different classes of passenger, with one decorated as a first class cabin, an alcove used as a third class cabin, while another classroom has been transformed into a pub used by the shipbuilders and trades staff.

The Titanic theme will continue for the rest of this year and students will visit a local swimming pool to simulate its sinking.

Students at Peckover Primary School in Wisbech dressed in costumes as they ended their term in style with a themed Titanic Tea Dance. (Image: Archant)

In preparation for the party Paul Tombleson taught the students to dance. He said: “Basically on the Titanic the waltz was the first class dance, the Charleston was the new craze and the Irish jig was the third class dance.

“For the first year ever they picked up three dances in one day. They did really well and enjoyed it.”

Teacher Kate Kendal played the role of Captain Smith, the ill-fated liner’s captain. She dressed in character for the tea dance.

Teacher Rachel Horvath, who plays the role of Mrs Smith, said: “We have had a term on building, one on sailing and next term we will unfortunately sink.

“My classroom is the first class cabin and Ms Kendal has the pub. This topic applies to every area of the curriculum from DT to PE, maths, creative writing and music.

“We could not do such a large-scale project without the support of the staff. We have been doing the topic for a few years now and students lower down the school really look forward to it when it is their turn on the Titanic.

“If we stopped they would be really disappointed and we try to make it as authentic as possible.”

One Year 6 student said: “I have really enjoyed it. The party has been my favourite bit and I enjoyed learning the dances especially the Irish jig.”

David Oliver, chairman of governors, and newly appointed governors Pete Waterfield and his daughter Helen Nicholls were three of the VIP guests. Mr Waterfield said: “I have been a governor here for only six months so this is the first time I have been to a Titanic tea.

“It is absolutely fantastic. The staff are so committed and enthusiastic. The enthusiasm they show for every year and subject is brilliant.”

Nicola added: “This is a fabulous event. The themes are strong throughout the school and the staff put in an enormous amount of effort to make it a wonderful learning environment for the children.”