English Department Trip to London

Between October 9^th and 15^th, thirty bold and intrepid students from Years 9 to 13 led by Ms. Suzanne, Ms. Lilani, Mr. Peter and Ms. Manjula, visited the sceptered isle of England in search of Shakespeare, Austen, and adventure. Students travelled back in time visiting Austen’s home city of Bath, Shakespeare’s Globe on the banks of The Thames, and were entranced by the magic of the West End and the African rhythms of the hit musical, The Lion King.

Coaches took all to Stratford Upon Avon and Bath, where students took part in guided tours of Shakespeare’s birthplace, met Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy at The Jane Austen Centre, and watched the English hills roll past as they sped back to London in time for tea.  Making their way through the packed and busy London Underground, students crossed the Thames on the dramatic Tower Bridge, and visited The Tower of London to see The Crown Jewels.  They saw actors rehearsing on the stage of Shakespeare’s Globe, The Beefeaters feeding The Tower’s ravens, and the iconic Big Ben from a charming open top bus tour. Jaws dropped at animatronic dinosaurs at The Natural History Museum, appetites were sated at Five Guys and Comptoir Libanais, and wallets emptied at London’s legendary toy store, Hamley’s. 

The Tower Bridge hotel accommodation was cosy and allowed students to stay alongside one another in the heart of London. A full English breakfast every morning fortified all for the walking everyone had to do around the city.

“My favourite part of the trip was Stratford upon Avon,” said Rafael, Year 12. “ We arrived there while the age old tradition of The Mop Fair was happening! It’s like an old festival with a market and a funfair. We went on rides that turned us upside down and spun us around. Shakespeare’s Birthplace was really interesting, and the house was really old with beds made from reeds.  We ate really well on the trip; I really liked Nando’s chicken wings and Cadbury’s chocolate!”

All thirty students behaved impeccably and ensured that everyone had a memorable trip. The English Department can’t wait to plan another trip for next year!

I’ll leave you with the words of the immortal Bard of Avon and some wise words from one of our students as they both describe their impressions of England…

“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea”   

(Richard II 2.1. William Shakespeare)
 

“They’ve got Five Guys!!! It’s amazing.”

(Yaqub, Year 11)

Peter Clark