Windlesham pupil scoops International Boarder of the Year Award 2008
May 30, 2008 on 9:39 am | In West Sussex
Zi-Yuan Qu, in his final year at Windlesham House School in Washington, West Sussex, has been named as Hobsons International Boarder of the Year.
BBC personality Libby Purves OBE announced Zi-Yuan as the winner at a ceremony at The Globe Theatre in London on Tuesday, May 13th.
“I’m very happy to have received this honour and I know that my family, friends and school teachers will be proud of me as well,” said a beaming Zi-Yuan.
“These have been remarkable years for me, a Chinese student privileged to be boarding in England, experiencing the culture of East and West. If I was still at school in Beijing, I would be happy, but coming to Windlesham, has changed life for me and made me happier still. The school has offered me a lot of new activities – things like rugby, playing the organ and English food,” explains Zi.
Richard Foster, Headmaster at Windlesham said: “It is a great honour for all of us at Windlesham to have a pupil who has been recognized in this way.
“Zi is already a superb ambassador for the school and has been a real success story, given all he has achieved whilst being with us. His conscientious and mature approach to all spheres of school life is admirable.”
Zi, who will be 13 years old in June, was born in Beijing, China and has been a boarder at Windlesham since the autumn of 2005.
For more information or to arrange an interview and photo opportunity with
Zi-Yuan, please call Chris Fletcher on 01903-874819.
The International Boarder of the Year award is in its fourth year and was designed to celebrate diversity in the UK boarding sector and highlight the contribution international boarders make to UK education.
Organised by Metropolis Business Publishing, which publishes The Hobsons UK Boarding Schools Guide, some 100 students submitted entries representing nearly 40 different nationalities.
The awards were started in 2005 to raise the profile of International Boarders in the UK and are an important event in recognising their all-round contribution to the UK education system. For more information please visit UK Boarding Schools Guide.
Word Count: 348LEADING EDUCATIONALIST NAMED HEAD OF ROSSALL
May 30, 2008 on 9:38 am | In Lancashire
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One of Britain’s most prominent figures in independent education, the former Chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association, Dr Stephen Winkley, has been appointed Headmaster of Rossall School, Lancashire. Dr Winkley will take over as Head of the 164-year-old independent co-educational school in June 2008 when current Head, Tim Wilbur, vacates the office to move to New Zealand to take up the post of Headmaster at Wanganui Collegiate School on the country’s north island.
A career educationalist, Dr Winkley has been lured from retirement to take up the position at Rossall and joins the school on a four year contract to oversee a programme of planned development on the 160-acre campus, which lies on the Lancashire coastline to the north of Blackpool. He retired from education in 2006 as Headmaster of Uppingham School, Rutland, a position he had held for 15 years. Prior to this he spent six years as Second Master of Winchester College Hampshire.
In 2003 Dr Winkley was elected Chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association and is now recognised as one of the country’s main spokespersons for the independent education sector. His time as Chairman of the Association saw the sector experience a resurgence of interest with schools buoyed by increased boarding numbers, following years of steady decline.
Born in Norfolk, Dr Winkley was educated at St Edwards School and Brasenose College, Oxford, gaining an MA in Mediaeval and Modern Languages and a Doctorate in Byzantine Hymnology. He is married with two sons and two daughters and currently lives in the Kettering area.
Commenting on the new appointment, Rossall School’s Chairman of Council, David Stockton said: “Stephen Winkley has an excellent reputation and possesses the intellectually powerful leadership style that will inspire staff and pupils in equal measure. I am delighted that we have such a distinguished and capable man at the helm.”
Dr Winkley commented: “When approached about the position I had already been yearning for a return to education, believing that I had retired too early. The school and its plans provided the stimulus needed to return to education and I am relishing
Word Count: 347Prior Park Pupils Face the Facts about Noma
May 30, 2008 on 9:34 am | In Somerset
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On Friday 9th May, pupils broke the school rules at Prior Park when they entered the College wearing heavy make-up. On this occasion all the teachers didn’t blink an eye . As an alternative, pupils also elected to have their face painted, during the morning break-time session in the Mansion Hall.
Catherine Hutchings explained “Our Headmaster kindly agreed that everyone should be encouraged to support the charity ‘Facing Africa’, for the day. We recently welcomed Chris Lawrence, to the school, who explained about Noma (cancrum oris) and the disfigurement it caused.” Hutchings added “Our pupils were devastated to learn about the legacy of facial scarring inflicted on the survivors by such a merciless infection”.
A group of Prior Park pupils agreed with Mrs Hutchings, saying “We wanted to try and help pay for at least one operation for a child; it is so sad that they become isolated from their friends and their community due to the facial scars. We hope our efforts on the day will raise more awareness for this charity”. The work is undertaken by a team of surgeons who are despatched from the UK to the Noma Children’s Hospital, Sokoto.
Pupils paid £2 each for the privilege of wearing make-up or having their face painted for the day.The plan was to raise at least £800 in one day, with an additional quiz fundraiser taking place around the event.
Word Count: 232Caterham School Compete in the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships
May 23, 2008 on 2:41 pm | In 2009/2010-SPORT, Surrey
The Public Schools’ Fencing Championships is the largest fencing competition in the country. This year’s event was held at the University of Nottingham Sports Centre on 19th March.
Caterham School was represented for the first time: in the Girls’ Senior Epée by Rebecca Michael (U6) and Elizabeth Hiscoke (U6) and in the Boys’ Senior Epée by Matthew Amlôt (L6). Both Rebecca and Elizabeth won two out of five bouts in their first round of poule fights, taking them through to the second round. Unfortunately neither managed to win any of their five bouts in this round and both were eliminated at this stage. Nevertheless Rebecca Michael had done enough to finish a creditable 21st out of a field of 33 with Elizabeth Hiscoke just trailing her in 22nd place.
In the Boys’ Senior Epée, Matthew Amlôt won all four of his first round of poule fights, scoring a maximum 20 points while conceding only 4. In a tough second round poule he won three out of four bouts, scoring 19 points and conceding 16. Following these two rounds of poules, Matthew was seeded 7th out of a field of 92 fencers. As a high seed, he received a ‘bye’, taking him automatically into the last 32. He then fought the 26th seed, C. Craven of Loughborough Grammar, winning 15-11. Into the last 16 Matthew faced 10th seed J. McNair of Eton College, beating him 15-6. Entering the final 8 and thus assured of a trophy, Matthew faced the 2nd seed, C. Sandford of City of London to whom he lost 8-15.
However, thanks to his high scoring through the day, Matthew finished the overall competition in fifth place – an impressive achievement in a field of 92 fencers which included several who had represented their countries in international competition.
Headmaster Julian Thomas said: ‘Whilst Caterham School has a reputation for high academic standards, we take the concept of all round ability very seriously. We view sport as an integral part of the personal development of each and every pupil. We added fencing as a co-curricular activity at the beginning of this academic year and so we are very pleased that Matthew did so well. This is most encouraging as our Girls U18 team won silver medals at the recent Open Fencing competition.‘
Word Count: 377Indian Exchange Students at Oswestry School
May 23, 2008 on 2:38 pm | In Shropshire
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Sahnawaz Hussain and Nishant Rana,16 year old students from the Scindia School in central India, are visiting Oswestry School for two months on a student exchange scheme, a project in which the schools have cooperated for several years.
For both boys this is their first visit to the UK. “I like it here very much,” said Sahnawaz. “The weather is excellent and the countryside is so lush and green.” Nishant, who has represented his state in table tennis and chess, said: “We are making very many new friends. Everybody is very open and honest.”
The boys are taking an active part in school life, and they have been recruited into the Oswestry School cricket team. Sahnawaz, a fast bowler, succeeded in taking a wicket in his first game despite not being used to English pitches and playing conditions.
Word Count: 138Oswestry School Cadets Go Up In The World
May 23, 2008 on 2:37 pm | In Shropshire
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For Oswestry School CCF cadets Hana Foggin, Becky Long and Simon Bas, their 24 hour exercise reached a high spot when they were given a helicopter flight from Nesscliffe to the school.
70 members of the school’s Combined Cadet Force took part in team exercises and training activities at the Nesscliffe Training Centre. These included climbing and target practice, night exercises and a company level attack on enemy positions.
In addition, the commander of the nearby Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury, Lt Cdr Mark Scott, brought a Squirrel training aircraft for the cadets to look at as he explained the role of the flying school and how to become a pilot.
During the exercise the CCF underwent its biennial inspection from Col Potter of 143 Brigade.
Col Potter said that he was most encouraged by the personal and team qualities and the keenness of the cadets, who all demonstrated enthusiasm for the cadet force and the opportunities it provides.
Cadets Hana, Becky and Simon were judged to have shown the greatest skill and initiative during the training exercise. Their reward was to be flown back to school in the helicopter by Lt Cdr Scott, with Becky being allowed to take control of the aircraft for part of the flight.
Word Count: 209SLINDON PUPILS ATTEND THE OPENING OF NEW RECORING STUDIO AT BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY
May 22, 2008 on 11:30 am | In West Sussex
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Four lucky pupils and their Headmaster, Ian Graham, were invited to attend the opening of Bournemouth University’s New High Definition Recording Studio last week as a result of their interest in media and film studies. The new Studio, sponsored by Sony, cost over a quarter of a million pounds to set up and was officially opened by Martin Clunes who delivered a speech on his acting experience and some his favourite moments working on set. He also gave away one or two secrets of life behind the scenes! ITV News presenter, Mark Austin, also talked about his life as a news reporter.
The pupils were all given the opportunity of reading the news on a specially designed news reading studio and to broadcast on radio. They also experimented with editing news footage.
Peter Saysell-Rosales a Year 10 pupil said “It was a brilliant day and we found everything fascinating. I have a very keen interest in this area of life and I hope to attend Bournemouth University in the future, with a view to making my career within the media”
Howell’s School, Llandaff, represents Wales in the UK Finals of the English Speaking Union’s Public Speaking Competition.
May 22, 2008 on 11:17 am | In Cardiff
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On Saturday 26th April three 15 year-old girls from Howell’s School, Llandaff, represented Wales in the UK Finals of the English Speaking Union’s Public Speaking Competition. Over 500 schools from across the UK have battled through local and regional qualifying rounds since the beginning of the year and the 9 regional finalists gathered in Westminster in London on the 26th, on a glorious sunny day, to contest the UK Final.
Sidi Bai (Chairperson), Katie James (Speaker) and Emily Davies (Questioner), all Year 10 pupils at Howell’s, performed exceptionally well on the day. The standard of presentation was very high and several of the teams included much older competitors.
Katie James was awarded the Best Speaker prize, having spoken against the motion that “There is too much surveillance in the UK today”. Katie will now go forward to represent the UK in the ESU’s International Public Speaking Competition in 2009.
Katie’s exceptional achievement this year is even more remarkable given that it follows her success last year when she won the Best Speaker prize at the UK Finals of the Rotary Youth Speaks Public Speaking Competition, at the age of 14, when her subject was: “Should parents always tell the truth to their children?” After this year’s success, Katie commented, “I was so overwhelmed when they announced that I’d won the ‘best speaker prize’ and am honoured to have achieved this award. It was a fantastic opportunity and experience for all the schools competing on Saturday and I feel that the three of us did our school and Wales proud!”
Word Count: 260Shreya is a Welsh Chess Champion
May 22, 2008 on 11:16 am | In Cardiff
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Shreya Jauhari, 10, from the Heath and a pupil at Howell’s Junior School, Llandaff, has won best Welsh Player in her age group in the U.K. Land Chess Challenge tournament which was held on 19 April in Swansea. There were around ninety competitors in the competition. As a result of this, she has qualified for the British final of the Land Chess Challenge which will be held in Sheffield in July.
Shreya attends the Chess Club in Howell’s Junior School which started last September, but she had played the game a little before starting at the club.
She was delighted with her win and commented, “I felt quite happy and proud when I won”.
Word Count: 115PUPIL EXPERIENCES FEAR FACTOR AT NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL
May 22, 2008 on 8:38 am | In Nottinghamshire
A pupil at Nottingham High School recently experienced the ‘Fear’ factor, as his headmaster, Kevin Fear, shadowed him for a whole school day.
‘Give your wicked child some Fear’ was a prize at a recent Auction of Promises, which was held to raise money for a school rugby tour to New Zealand.
Parents of Sixth Former, Charlie Lusty, won the bid and Kevin fulfilled his ‘promise’ by shadowing Charlie all day. He attended Physics, Chemistry, Geography and History lessons, as well as joining his new classmates for a lunch time kick-about.
Charlie Lusty, age 16, said: “I couldn’t believe it when my parents told me what they’d done. Mr Fear definitely fulfilled his promise; he chatted with us at break time and even played football during lunch. I made sure I worked hard and was well-behaved all day.”
Kevin Fear said: “It’s been a long time since I spent a day on the other side of the desk as a pupil, but Charlie and his friends were all good sports. My teaching colleagues all treated me gently! Hopefully having his headmaster following him around all day didn’t affect Charlie’s reputation too much!”
Photo: Kevin Fear joins Charlie Lusty for a Science lesson.
Word Count: 206New Headmaster for Durham School
May 21, 2008 on 3:06 pm | In County Durham
The Governors of Durham School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Martin George as the new Headmaster of Durham School to succeed Mr Neil Kern who retires at the end of this academic year.
Mr George, who is 45, will join Durham School from The King’s School, Tynemouth, where he is Deputy Headmaster with specific responsibility for pastoral issues. He and his wife, Vivienne, have a 12-year-old son, Max, and a 10-year-old daughter, Claudia. The family will relocate to Durham in time for Mr George to take up his position as Head after Easter 2009. In the interim period, the School is very pleased that Deputy Headmaster, Mr Derek Best, will be the Acting Head.
Chairman of Governors, Mr Alasdair MacConachie OBE, DL said: “From a large and very strong field of applicants, the Governors were unanimous in our choice of Mr Martin George as the outstanding candidate, most able to lead Durham School through the next stage of its development. He has already proved himself an outstanding leader and communicator and will bring a wealth of educational experience to the position.”
Mr George’s interests include music, the theatre, sport and outdoor pursuits (especially running, fell-walking, “wild” camping and skiing). He knows the North East very well and, as a former pupil of the School, already has a real affection for Durham School and a strong sense of its traditions.
“I am, of course, absolutely thrilled to be joining Durham School. It is a unique place and I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the care of the School’s reputation and traditions. I look forward to getting to know everyone involved with the school, past and present, so that together we can move forward and see the School go from strength to strength.” explained Mr George.
Mr MacConachie added: “Mr George will join the School at an exciting time in its long and proud history, with pupil numbers at a record high. The Governors are immensely grateful to Mr. Neil Kern for his dedicated service over the past eleven years and wish him and his wife, Ann, every happiness in their retirement.”
Durham School is one of the leading Independent Schools in the North East of England with a long tradition of academic, musical, sporting and pastoral excellence. It enjoys a superb location in the heart of Durham city and is home to 140 girls and 450 boys aged between 3 and 18 years, some of whom (aged 11-18) live at the school as weekly, part-time or full boarders.
Word Count: 417Students go to the top universities
May 21, 2008 on 3:05 pm | In CambridgeshireWe are delighted to confirm that three students from Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies (CCSS) have started their studies at the University of Cambridge this academic year.
Kamolchanok Chewapreech has gone on to read Natural Sciences at Magdalene College, Yip Luk is at Hughes Hall reading Economics, and Katy Winter is reading Social and Political Sciences at Corpus Christi.
The University of Cambridge is in second place at the QS World University Rankings 2007.
Another twelve students have gained places at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University College London, Imperial College London, Kings College London, Edinburgh University, and the University of Manchester. All these institutions are among the top 30 universities in the world (in overall or subject rankings).
Congratulations also to Harvey Stephenson who gained a place at Brown University, which is ranked fourteenth in the US.
Word Count: 140Archbishop attends Surrey School’s 250th celebration
May 21, 2008 on 12:11 pm | In Surrey
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Reigate welcomed the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to its 250th anniversary celebrations on Sunday 11th May 2008.
The Archbishop planted a Wellingtonia tree near the School Chapel in commemoration of his visit. He then attended a service of thanksgiving where he gave an address and presented prizes to pupils from the Senior School. After the service he joined pupils, parents and staff for lunch.
Paul Spencer Ellis said “The School was founded to support orphan children at a time when the outlook for these children was very poor. Even today, there are children who have difficult family circumstances and for whom a boarding education is desirable. The Royal Alexandra and Albert School provides places for over 50 such children and they are educated alongside the other 710 pupils at the School. These children thrive on the opportunities they receive at the School and many go on to have successful careers.’
Over 20,000 Foundationers have received free boarding education at the Royal Alexandra School and the Albert School since its foundation in 1758. Headmaster, Paul Spencer Ellis said “We are delighted the Archbishop of Canterbury has chosen to join us as we celebrate this 250th anniversary.”
Word Count: 199South Cotswold Netball Tournament
May 20, 2008 on 3:09 pm | In Gloucestershire
On Monday 3rd March Wycliffe hosted the U14 South Cotswold Netball Tournament. Wycliffe topped their group after strong team performances from the attack and defence, the team played with real flair with the defence making many interceptions that were converted into goals by the attack.
They were victorious against Stroud High School (6-3 win), Sir William Romney School (15-0 win), Kingshill School (4-1 win) and Rednock School (6-2 win), they played Farmors School in the final and won 6-4.
The u14s have had a very good netball season and the girl’s have deserved this success! Well done to all the girls that have represented Wycliffe
Word Count: 107Toyota Challenge 2008
May 20, 2008 on 3:06 pm | In Hertfordshire
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For the second consecutive year, a team of Queenswood girls raced their solar powered model car at the world famous Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Furthermore, the team is celebrating their fantastic achievement at coming second out of 130 teams competing in the South East regional finals of the Toyota Technology Challenge on Tuesday 22nd April.
Team Tranzformerz comprises four Year 10 Design and Technology students: Hillary L, Vivian N, Olivia I and Charlotte S. Last year, Team Backseaters, raced their solar powered vehicle over the 8 metre track in 7 seconds. This year, with an improved design and more efficient components, the time was reduced further to an astonishing 3.99 seconds.
The Toyota Technology Challenge was launched nationally in 2004 and is open to all 11-16 year olds. The event was developed by Toyota Manufacturing UK in partnership with educational supplier Rapid. Teams are challenged to design and build an environmentally friendly model vehicle using either solar power, to race on a straight track, or PIC microcontroller technology to guide their vehicles to avoid obstacles on a track.
Head of Design and Technology, Mr Jon Welch, said: “The girls have worked incredibly hard, with great dedication and enthusiasm which has paid off.” Well done everyone
Word Count: 201Ski Trip 2008
May 20, 2008 on 3:05 pm | In 2009/2010-SPORT, Surrey
Sixty-eight children and ten staff travelled to Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps to take part in this year’s skiing trip. Every day our young skiers spent four hours under the expert tuition of the Ecole Ski Française instructors, and many chose to go for extra skiing with friends and staff. The snow conditions were the best we have had in many years, and the skies were blue and cloudless throughout the week! Unfortunately, after a number of years accident-free skiing our luck finally ran out and two boys in particular suffered injuries. With this exception, the trip went very smoothly and a good time was had by each and every one of us.
Alpe d’Huez is a superb resort and the facilities afforded to us in the Hotel Beausoleil are exceptionally well-suited to our group. The hotel is situated just some 200 metres from the gondola lift that carries skiers to the highest peak in the resort at 3300metres. Preparations are already underway to return to Alpe d’Huez next year in the half-term break in February 2009.
Word Count: 181Salsa Night in aid of the Lourdes Pilgrimage.
May 19, 2008 on 2:46 pm | In Derbyshire
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Even the weather co-operated to bring the Mediterranean closer to our shores when we held a Salsa Night in aid of the Lourdes Pilgrimage.
Miss Gonzales, Head of Modern Languages, put on her dancing shoes to give parents, staff and pupils expert tuition in the art of salsa.
Tapas and sangria all added to the experience, and over £620 was raised towards the trip this summer.
Bath Young Musician of the Year
May 19, 2008 on 2:43 pm | In Somerset
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Monkton was proud to field two out of the five finalists at this year’s ‘Bath Young Musician of the Year’. Cellist Beatrice Newman (who left in June 2007) and year 10 clarinettist Jordan Black, did their utmost to impress the audience and judges at the Pump Rooms. In the end it proved to be Beatrice’s night. She played music by Ravel, Lutoslawski and Franck and gained the admiration of the judges for her mature playing, beautiful tone and accomplished performance. Beatrice was delighted with her win and has now returned to Cardiff where she is studying full time at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Congratulations to these two very talented musicians.
Pony Power!
May 19, 2008 on 2:42 pm | In Somerset
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The girls at Monkton Prep can’t wait for Wednesdays! Each week a group of 12 girls from years 3 and 4 don their hats, jodhpurs and riding boots and head off to Wellow Trekking Centre for a riding lesson. Rachel Martindale, Head of Girls Sport is delighted with this new initiative. “It has been a great success and the beginners are learning fast – getting on and off safely, perfecting their riding positions whilst the more advanced group is enjoying the challenge of trotting in the indoor school. The girls absolutely love it, the ponies are delightful and they now have a new group of friends – all with four legs!”
Christ College Cultural Tour of Rome
May 19, 2008 on 2:41 pm | In Powys
Friday 14 March
Christ College Cultural Tour group arrived late afternoon in good spirits and blessed with great weather.
Our first visit was to the Trevi Fountain to take in the atmosphere and beauty of this extraordinary monumental baroque fountain which was finally completed in 1762. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water – hence the group did throw their money away!
From the Trevi, we went on a little jaunt to the Spanish Steps for some singing. Bearing in mind we were on the eve of a possible Grand Slam, Welsh songs were in favour and the group received special applause for their rendition of “Cwm Rhondda” and “Delilah”.
Saturday 15 March
After navigating the metro system we were greeted by our guide, Maria, who gave us a detailed tour of the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums were founded under the patronage of two 18th century popes who were among the first to open collections of art to the general public for viewing, therefore promoting culture among the masses.
At the end of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel where the party were given time for quiet reflection. The art is remarkable and it is the venue for the election of each successive Pope.
A tour of St Peter’s Basilica followed, which was until recently the largest church ever built and was said to be built on the spot where Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried in 64 AD; his tomb is under the main altar.
Late afternoon was taken up with supporting Wales in the Grand Slam and Rome was full of Scots in kilts who lost to Italy…
Sunday 16 March
Revd Baker managed to acquire some tickets for Palm Sunday Mass with Pope Benedict XVI. A group of students and staff went to this very memorable and moving occasion which was the highlight of their tour.
The rest of the group navigated a very busy metro (due to the Rome Marathon and Palm Sunday Mass) to visit Castel St Angelo, which was started in 135AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. It holds some very impressive art, costumes and artefacts and the views over Rome were magnificent.
In the afternoon the tour visited the Colosseum where our guide explained why such a structure was built to witness bloody contests of might and the slaughter of wild beasts. The stadium was an elliptical stadium, 188 metres along its longest axis and 40 metres high and is truly an impressive site, inside and out. An optional tour of the Roman Forum followed.
That evening the party ventured on to a bus to Piazza Navona which was originally built as a stadium in the first century for athletic contests and chariot races. Piazza Navona is lined with luxurious cafes and Baroque palaces and is the home to three lavish fountains. Pupils and staff took in the atmosphere and sampled the local fayre, especially the ice cream…
Monday 17 March
Pupils and staff made the most of their last few hours. Some visited the Pantheon and others revisited their favourite spots and did some last minute shopping. Sadly, a very tired but culturally enlightened group boarded their flight and returned to the UK on time.

