The London cultural trip was again a huge success this term. Both pupils and staff had a wonderful time experiencing live music, professional theatre, infamous art work and the many other cultural attributes that London has to offer. This year the group stayed in a different location and hotel in the heart of London borough. With Borough Market being a 2 minute walk away and the Globe Theatre equally close in the opposite direction, various restaurants on the doorstep, and St Paul’s Cathedral as a view from the breakfast room, there was plenty to keep everybody entertained.
The programme of events started with a trip to St Martin in the Field to watch the London String orchestra perform a Baroque programme including Vivaldi’s Winter, Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and Bach’s Air on the G String to name but a few. The candlelit intimate church atmosphere was the perfect venue to experience such music.
The following morning the group travelled to Pimlico to visit the Tate Britain Gallery where pupils were impressed by the many internationally recognised artists’ offerings. It’s a fantastic building much more accessible to young adults.
During the trip the pupils also had the opportunity to complete fun tasks in the Tate modern, ensuring they were able to see all of the different styles on display.
The theatre trip was planned around the anniversary of the Holocaust. Downton Abbey’s Mrs Crawley (Penelope Wilton) starred in an 8 week special production of ‘Taken at Midnight’, a take on the true story of her son who took Hitler to court and won! It was a tragic tale that provided an insight into the horrors of Dachau and Hitler’s regime during WWII.
Amongst the live music, the art galleries and the professional theatre production, there was still time for the pupils to explore Oxford Street, West Field Market, Borough Market, The Globe Theatre & Camden.
Here are some comments from the pupils:
‘The highlight for me was the String orchestra. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it but it left me speechless’
‘The hotel and area was awesome. Everything was on your doorstep, but I felt safe’
‘We did so many things for such a good price! The Tate Britain gave me loads of ideas for my GCSE art. I also liked the play we went to see. I recognised the actress from television’
‘I just love the fashion and quirky shops that London has to offer. I bought lots of accessories and one off items to update my wardrobe! ‘
‘The view of the Thames and St Paul’s cathedral from our hotel restaurant was breath-taking. I enjoyed a sense of independence and the structured timetable. I want to go back!’
TO RESERVE A PLACE FOR THE NOVEMBER 2015 LONDON CULTURAL TRIP (6th Form only) CONTACT THE SCHOOL OFFICE OR MRS WORMALD. A £100 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT WILL SECURE YOUR PLACE. THE TOTAL COST OF THE TRIP WILL BE £340.00 & COVERS TRAVEL, FOOD, THEATRE TRIP, LIVE MUSIC, ART GALLERIES, DAILY TRAVEL CARDS & A TIMETABLE OF FUN PACKED ACTIVITIES OVER 4 & DAYS 3 NIGHTS.
Mrs Wormald