Year 8 Students Discover Creativity and Magic on Harry Potter Studios Trip

At The Bulmershe School, we’re committed to bringing learning to life through exciting opportunities outside the classroom. In January 2025, our Year 8 Design Technology students embarked on a magical journey to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios in London—a trip that was as educational as it was enchanting.

This special visit was part of our mission to inspire creativity and showcase real-world applications of classroom learning. Students participated in a Character Customisation workshop, a hands-on session that explored the intricate process of costume design for the Harry Potter films.

In the workshop, students examined how costume designers use fabrics, colours and textures to represent characters’ personality traits, stereotypes, and even actors’ cultural heritage. Handling original fabrics used in the films, as well as studying authentic mood boards and designs, gave students a unique insight into the creative decision-making behind the scenes.

Building on what they’ve been learning in class, students also selected fabrics for their own superhero characters—a Design Technology project they’ve been developing this term. This practical activity not only nurtured their creativity but also helped them understand how professional designers bring ideas to life.

After the workshop, students enjoyed a guided tour of the studios, exploring iconic sets like the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, and viewing original props and costumes from the Harry Potter series. One of the highlights of the day? Coming face to face with Aragog, the infamous giant spider. There were plenty of screams, but we can assure you no students (or teachers) were caught in his web!

Trips like these are part of the exceptional opportunities we offer at The Bulmershe School to broaden students’ horizons and inspire their future ambitions. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, we aim to spark curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.

For families exploring secondary school options in Reading and Wokingham, The Bulmershe School offers an outstanding education enriched by unforgettable experiences like this one.