Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt and Outer Space: Virtual reality school trips launched at primary school

Children at one Midlands school have been given the chance to explore outer space, Ancient Egypt and even the time of the dinosaurs - thanks to virtual reality.

Bengeworth C of E Academy in Evesham has been chosen by Google to take part in a trial of its futuristic Google Expeditions programme - taking pupils to far-flung parts of the universe, and even back through time.

The project has been spearheaded by Year 4 teacher Greg Satterley - a technology fan himself who told ITV News Central he could see the potential for education.

The pupils got their first taste of the kit - essentially very simple, consisting of a mobile phone and cardboard headset - today, and their excitement was palpable.

"It's breathtaking," one girl said, after seeing the pyramids up close for the first time.

"I can't actually believe I'm actually looking at this," another added. "It looked like we were in space."

For Mr Satterley, that's the reaction he was hoping for.

Google Expeditions feature around 400 possible destinations - and as well as geographical sightseeing, students can explore the inside of the human body.

It's all designed to complement the current school curriculum - much like traditional days out.

But headteacher David Coaché insisted it was not a replacement for 'real life' school trips.

"The elements of trips are the interactions, collaboration between children, relationships that develop with the staff," he said.

"There is never going to be a replacement for real life experiences but in terms of bringing things to life in the classroom and making it immersive, this is absolutely the way forward."