Trips & Visits

 

 

During the October half term, a group of Year 13 students took a trip to New York City.

Despite the early start of 4:45 am, we made it to New York by lunchtime. We checked into our accommodation after catching a small glimpse of this incredible City on the coach journey from the airport, shortly continuing our exploration by foot, passing the likes of Central Park, Trump tower, and the Rockefeller Centre.

An hour of free time meant we were all allowed to wander 5^th Avenue of our own accord, with most of us making our way to Macy’s and landing at the infamous in-store McDonald's on the 7^th floor. After a quick stop at Applebee's for dinner, we made our way around Manhattan at night, finishing at Times Square surrounded by bright lights and billboards, as well as New York’s finest Spiderman and Elmo impersonators.

Tuesday saw a classic film and movie tour, finishing at Grand Central Station and a trip around the Museum of Modern Art promptly followed. We were granted more free time after this visit and the City was our limit. The students were creative with the ways they spent their time, with some spending big bucks in Sephora and others taking a cycle around Central Park. Dinner that evening was at Bubba Gump, we were quizzed on our knowledge of the movie ‘Forrest Gump’ to win prizes. A trip to Top of The Rock finished the day, looking over the city at night.

On Wednesday, we took the subway to Battery Park where we boarded the Staten Island ferry to the Statue of Liberty, where we had an hour to explore the Island before jumping back on the ferry. A visit to the 9/11 memorial was next. People were paying their respects by placing white roses in the names of lost ones, with everyone in our group finding this a most surreal experience. We made our way around the 9/11 museum where genuine belongings found in the rubble, along with information surrounding the attacks was displayed. After, some students made their way to Wall Street whilst the rest of us returned to the YMCA accommodation to get ready for dinner at the Hard Rock Café before going to see the extravagant musical Moulin Rouge!

The final day saw a bit of last-minute shopping and a guided tour of Radio City Music Hall, learning the history of the Radio City Rockettes. We finished the visit in style and made our way to the top of The Empire State Building, a contrast from Top of The Rock, getting to look over the City during the day, 1,050ft in the air.

The students had a great time and a huge ‘Thank You’ goes to the excellent teachers who accompanied us - Mrs Harman, Miss Supple and Mr. Holvey and a special ‘Thank You’ to Mrs Copp who organised such a fantastic visit!

 

During the May half term the Philosophy and Theology department organised a school trip to Rome. We took 32 enthusiastic sixth form students to visit some of the city’s ancient wonders. Highlights included a visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Scala Santa, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican City. The trip was a real success, with students thoroughly enjoying themselves and creating memories to last a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday 29^th June Year 12 Art and Photography students had the opportunity to visit the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This was a great opportunity to experience the work of a broad range of academicians of the Royal Academy, lots of well known artists and new upcoming artists. Students were able to view a range of works from painting, sculpture, installation, drawing and furniture design. They were able to gain inspiration and develop their knowledge and contextual understanding.

On Wednesday 28^th June we took a group of aspirational Year 11 and Year 12 students to visit the University of Oxford’s open day. First, we visited St Hugh’s, our linked college, then in the afternoon we headed out to explore central Oxford and other historical colleges. The afternoon sessions included a ‘Meet The Tutors’ session and admissions tests workshops. Our students participated brilliantly in these sessions, holding in-depth conversations with academics, and asking excellent questions. The students found the trip insightful and informative and came away with a better understanding of the admissions processes and life as an Oxford University student. Lastly, to mark the occasion, as a linked secondary school, we were asked to cut the St. Hugh’s College cake!