On Tuesday 4 July an intrepid band of 29 (new) Year 9 and Year 10 pupils and 4 staff left rural Gloucestershire and headed to one of the most vibrant cities in the world for 3 packed days of fun, education and entertainment. The weather was hot and the city of London rocked.

The first day saw a visit to the frightening and educational London Dungeon. Pupils had to show some resilience in the face of scary theatrics and mind-blowing experiences - Bruno, a (new) Year 10 pupil, commented “The London Dungeon was extremely educational... and little bit fun” - before embarking the London Eye for panoramic views of the capital, including the iconic mother of all parliaments, Westminster Palace. Dinner was provided at Garfunkel’s just off Trafalgar Square before we headed a retro bowling alley for more evening fun.

On Wednesday we visited the Science Museum in the morning following a Wake'n'Shake provided by a fire drill in the hotel at 6.25am. Pupils visited all 4 floors of this world-famous museum and our keen Scientists were particularly impressed. Ella and Kira commented “it was a good opportunity for people doing Triple Science and included a wide range of fascinating information.” Pupils managed to eat their packed lunches in transit as we battled the London traffic to get over to the Tower of London for an afternoon of sweltering history at the first real castle England ever saw.

Pupils particularly enjoyed their Wednesday evening as we ate at the Rainforest Café on Shaftesbury Avenue, in London’s fashionable theatre district. Burgers and animatronic guerrillas were the order of the evening and pupils felt well prepared for their visit to the Prince Edward Theatre and the musical extravaganza of Aladdin. The pupils draw plaudits for their behaviour and conduct from other audience members who took the trouble to comment to staff members. Pupils enjoyed the experience. Will said “Aladdin was very well performed and enjoyed thoroughly.”

Day 3 was a chance for pupils to experience the thrill of Thorpe Park. As the temperature nudged 30 degrees, sun cream and water bottles were to the fore as our pupils valued the chance to be independent and to have a very different experience. Aimee, (new) Year 10, commented “It was a thrilling but draining experience. It was hot but brilliant.”

In light of recent events in London, we spent time on Monday in school on emergency procedure planning – reinforcing the Run, Hide, Tell message. When back in school on Friday, our pupils talked constantly about their experiences and reviewed their time away from home – they made videos and finished off their sun-filled week with a game of rounders on the school field!  

In summing up the London Experience, Mr Johnson, Assistant Head and Trip Leader, commented “The London trip this year has been a great success. Pupils and staff have really worked together and gained a real feel for the culture and history of one of the great global 24/7 cities.”