Viewing archives for Trips

In a QE first, an entire year group headed off to a West End theatre to watch a Shakespeare production.

The 190 Year 9 boys saw Hollywood A-lister Sigourney Weaver starring in The Tempest at the Theatre Royal, Old Drury Lane.

Their visit came shortly after QE’s Year 12 English Literature students took part in a two-day joint event with The Henrietta Barnett School that included a visit to a performance of Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in Bermondsey. QE has a long-standing partnership with the girls’ school, and this event was designed to stretch pupils of the two schools, giving them a taste of what studying Shakespeare at university might be like.

Head of English Robert Hyland said: “Giving students opportunities to experience live theatre remains a central part of our philosophy as an English department. In particular, given the density of language in Shakespeare’s plays, seeing them performed brings them to life in a way which the classroom simply cannot achieve.

“We were very lucky, therefore, to secure tickets to see two sell-out shows in The Tempest and Richard II. Taking just under 200 Year 9 students to see The Tempest will remain a highlight of the academic year. For many, it will have been their first experience of professional theatre, and one which I hope will last for many years after they leave the School. Even afterwards, I could still hear students around the School and in class discussing features of the performance, which hopefully balanced enjoyment with a richer and deeper understanding of the text.

“Working with our colleagues at Henrietta Barnett allowed us to put on a brilliant day and a half of activities. From a standing start, students became fully acquainted with the characters and themes of the under-appreciated Richard II. It was a treat to see students fully engaging in the dramatic activities, and speaking so knowledgeably about the Bridge Theatre performance.”

The Year 9 boys students studied The Tempest in the Autumn Term, with the trip therefore forming a conclusion to their studies. Sigourney Weaver, the star of films including Alien and Avatar, played Prospero in a Jamie Lloyd Theatre company production. It was, said Mr Hyland, “a rare opportunity for students to see a world-class actor and production company in real life”. Fourteen staff, drawn from all departments, accompanied the pupils.

Asked to write their own reviews, the Year 9 boys were enthusiastic about their visit. Ridit Bhor praised the “wonderful chemistry” shared by the characters, Miranda and Ferdinand, while others praised the set design, described by Pothan Bobba as “nothing short of spectacular” and by Avi Aggarwal as “hauntingly beautiful”.

The two-day Sixth Form event centred around the production of Richard II at the Bridge Theatre production, which starred Jonathan Bailey, of Bridgerton and Wicked fame. In addition to seeing the production, the event involved:

• An introductory lecture on the play from Dr Diana Hallam, A-level specialist and founder of Literary Lectures, which explored the contextual significance of the play;
• A drama workshop from Mandy Dassa (from QE’s drama partners, RM Drama), exploring the play from a practical perspective;
• Seminars exploring key scenes and speeches from the text, led by Mr Hyland and teachers from the girls’ school;
• A tour of the Globe Theatre combined with a drama workshop on Richard II, led by Royal Shakespeare Company and Globe Theatre actor Chu Omambala.

“We wanted to take students away from their exam specification, and help them understand what it might be like to study Shakespeare at a higher level and through different methods than the A-level allows,” said Mr Hyland. “By picking a text they were unfamiliar with, and allowing them to explore it beyond the normal classroom setting, students were able to develop their skills of interpretation and analysis. And by pairing up with our colleagues at HBS, they could also work with new faces, gaining new ideas and original perspectives.

“With the range of activities on offer, from university-style lectures, seminars, drama, and fieldwork, this partnership event really did give a sense of how exciting and varied studying English at a higher level can be.”

While his 20 fellow pupils savoured the culture of the German capital during a four-day trip – and then told their classmates about it afterwards in the local language – Year 13 pupil Amogh Somayaji enjoyed making his escape over the Berlin Wall.

His light-hearted attempt to flee – an action which could once have resulted in him being shot – came part-way through the busy trip, during which the group of senior pupils focused on Berlin’s history over the past 100 years or more.

Languages teacher Katrin Hood said: “Year 12 have a module on Berlin: we learn about the architecture of the city, its cultural and social role, and how immigration plays a part in making modern Germany. So, to experience the city’s atmosphere first-hand is wonderful.”

The group comprised mostly sixth-formers, with a small number of Year 11 boys joining them. They were accompanied by Assistant Head of Languages Burgunde Lukasser-Weitlaner, Ms Hood and Languages Assistant Corinna Illingworth.

Arriving in Berlin from London City Airport after a very early start, the boys wasted no time before setting off on the first of a number of guided walking tours.

Over the four days, their activities also included:

• Visiting the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Jewish Museum
• Enjoying a boat trip, an open-air art gallery and a bowling trip
• Visiting a TV tower, going on an underground tour and seeing a nuclear fallout shelter
• Going to the (East) German Democratic Republic (DDR) museum and to the Berlin Wall
• A trip to the Reichstag (parliament building).

The groups formed from those staying in each room at the hotel had to deliver a presentation in German about a cultural highlight. Pictured is one group delivering theirs on a visit to the Treptower Park, a popular spot with Berliners, which houses the Soviet War Memorial. Each room also prepared a round for the party’s quiz night.

Year 12’s Felix Calder said: “This trip was amazing – so much history to study, some beautiful views of the city at night, and a valuable insight into German culture. So many amazing memories were made, and I hope to visit the city many more times in my life.”

During Year 12, the German A-level students watch a film, Goodbye Lenin, set around the fall of the Berlin Wall, so the trip was useful in helping them understand more about that time, Ms Hood said.

After their return via Heathrow airport, Ms Hood reflected on the four days. “What a pleasure it was to spend a few days with our wonderful students in Berlin. It was great to see them engage so fully in all of the planned activities, and to see lots of what we have already talked about in the classroom come to life.”

Just a few weeks after starting at the School, QE’s youngest pupils had the chance to bond with others in their year-group during a day out at an adventure park.

The trip to Stubbers in Upminster, Essex, was designed to stretch the newest Elizabethans, but also to teach them teamwork and provide plenty of fun.

A now-annual fixture within the calendar of QE Flourish – the School’s extra-curricular and co-curricular programme – the trip was split over two days, with Broughton, Harrisons’ and Leicester Houses going on the first occasion, and Pearce, Stapylton and Underne on the second.

Assistant Head (Pupil Involvement) Crispin Bonham-Carter said: “The Year 7s seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their day, which is designed to give them an opportunity to make new connections with their QE contemporaries in a different setting.

“A range of outdoor activities challenged them physically (at times), while also developing teamwork, collaboration and communication. The boys really threw themselves into the different exercises.”

This half-term has also seen Year 10 head to Aberdovey in Wales for an Outward Bound Trust weekend. “That is another trip during which boys benefit from getting out – both out into the fresh air and out of their comfort zone!” said Mr Bonham-Carter.

Among the Year 7 boys who headed to Stubbers was Mohammed Fahad, from Stapylton House.

He enjoyed the short coach ride there, “with everyone buzzing about the activities ahead”. On arrival, it was straight into boats for a kayaking session on the river. “The water was calm in some places, making it easy to paddle, but some sections had stronger currents that added a bit of excitement. It was the perfect way to take in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying fresh air.”

Their energy restored by lunch, the boys headed to the artificial climbing wall. “It was a challenge, but I still managed to reach the top both times, thanks to my light weight and agility.  That felt like a great achievement.”

Next his half year-group explored a man-made cave, led by a tour guide. That was followed by a testing ball game – “a fun way to unwind,” said Mohammed.

“We wrapped up the day with an outdoor game of laser tag. Things got funny when we realised some players seemed ‘immortal’ – their headsets were not registering any hits. Confusing at first – but we soon turned it into a joke, and laughed as we tried to outsmart the invincible players.

“By the time we got back on the coach at 5:30pm, I was very tired but happy, having experienced kayaking, climbing, cave exploration and a dramatic game of laser tag all in one activity-packed day.”

• Click on the thumbnails to view images.

Ninety-five Year 10 boys headed off to Aberdovey for a long weekend of outdoor activities and team-building on the Welsh coast.

After the successful inaugural trip last year, the 2024 cohort again enjoyed activities that required them to learn new skills and, in many cases, to pluck up a little courage. This year, alongside the canoeing, climbing, hiking and shimmying along a rope above water, they could also practise abseiling and making a fire.

A further change from 2023’s dual trips was that the whole group went together, making the long coach journey on the same weekend.

QE Flourish tutor Celia Wallace, who led the boys and a team of eight staff, said: “It was a great weekend: the boys returned tired but exhilarated, with fresh skills learned, a few fears faced and overcome, new friendships forged, and with existing friendships deepened.”

“Through the Flourish programme, we are committed to offering our students a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities,” Dr Wallace added. “Trips such as this develop the boys not only as individuals, but in their capacity for helping one another and working as a team.”

After a journey broken by a 30-minute stop at services, the boys eventually arrived at the Outward Bound centre in Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) in Snowdonia National Park, where they were to sleep in dormitories.

Several of the participants spoke about their experience after it was all over. Krish Deebak and Parth Jain both welcomed being taken out of their ‘comfort zone’ through activities such as rock-climbing and gorge-scrambling. Tanush Madadi said: “The fact that we managed to do such a range of activities in such a short span of time was really an amazing thing.”

It was, said several, fun to try out new activities, with Namish Thakur commenting that “it was also a great way to learn new things about myself, like the fact that I’m somehow pretty good at dragging myself across a rope”.

Many of the boys readily appreciated that the benefits extended well beyond the acquisition of new physical skills. Henry Greene learned “important life lessons”, such as skills in “communication and leadership”; Alex Wang found that the trip “helped build up my confidence and leadership,”; Sriram Muthukumaran said: “It was a great opportunity to get to know others in our year that we may not be so familiar with.”

They also enjoyed the chance to do it all in a picturesque location. Danyal Rahim said: “I think my highlight of the trip would be any time we went to the beach, as it was such a beautiful landscape.”

Aryan Afghan reflected widely on the weekend. He liked the “really nice” food; the clean dormitories with “ample room” and the “great attitude” of the instructors. He thanked Dr Wallace and her team, even endorsing their decision to remove boys’ phones for the weekend. “A great idea – many of us felt a lot happier and more awake without them, and some of us didn’t want to use them on the way back because we learnt from Aberdovey that we, in fact, don’t need to be stuck to a screen all the time to have fun and enjoy ourselves.”

This was, as Suhaan Panjwani said, a time for “making many memories”, or, as Aaryav Sharma commented, summing it all up: “It was incredible.”

• To view the images below, click on the thumbnails.

Year 13 Geography and English Literature students joined forces on a trip to see John Steinbeck’s Depression-era novel, The Grapes of Wrath, at the National Theatre.

The 1939 novel tells the story of a tenant-farmer family from Oklahoma who struggle to survive during the Dust Bowl, a period of severe dust storms that greatly damaged agriculture in the American prairies during the 1930s.

The book is a set text for the English A-level students, while for the geographers, the story illustrates the inter-relational nature of phenomena such as drought & desertification, mass migration and food security.

Head of English Robert Hyland said: “The Grapes of Wrath is, among other things, an environmental and ecological novel. Teaming up with the Geography department to run this trip was a great way of highlighting how seemingly disparate subjects like English and Geography can shed light on the climate crisis which affects us all.”

He added that it is helpful for English Literature students to see a performance of a novel at the start of their study of it, since it helps them understand the characters and narrative.

Deputy Head (Academic) and Geography teacher Anne Macdonald said: “The novel addresses significant geographical themes linked to people’s relationship with the environment, mass migration caused by climate change and environmental degradation, and the shattered dream of a better life experienced by migrants searching for a new home. While set in 1930s America, its themes are relevant to the current world on the brink of mass migration caused by climate change.”

The Grapes of Wrath recounts the Joad family’s journey west to California in a dilapidated lorry as they pursue a better life. It ends with the story’s protagonist, Tom Joad, going into hiding after killing a policeman who murdered his friend for organising a strike, and with the family’s eldest daughter, Rose of Sharon, breastfeeding a starving man to save his life.

On its publication, it caused considerable controversy because of its negative depiction of the USA of the time.

Epic in its scope, the story was retold in a three-hour performance at the National Theatre, produced by Carrie Cracknell, which followed Frank Galati’s 1998 play, based closely on the novel.

Some of the pupils gave their reactions afterwards:

• Geography student Andreas Angelopolous said: “I found the portrayal of the Dust Bowl migration powerful. The depiction of the Joads’ struggle against poverty and discrimination was compelling and mirrors challenges faced by many migrants today.”
• His fellow geographer, Saim Khan, said: “It brought to life just how deeply influential the topics we learn in the classroom – like drought – are in shaping the lives of people around the world. There are few forms of media more able to capture sense of place than theatre.”
• English Literature student Vaibhav Gaddi said that the story “demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit when encountered with intense hardship. The Joad family endures death, miscarriage and losing family members, and yet are still unbowed at the play’s shocking end.”

Mrs Macdonald and Assistant Head of English Victoria Maule accompanied the boys on the trip to the South Bank.

When Deputy Head Anne Macdonald was watching the BBC’s Our Changing Planet, she was so impressed with the work of the Coral Spawning Laboratory shown in the Restoring Our Reefs episode that she wrote asking for a visit.

The result was a summer trip by 25 senior pupils, who learned about the ground-breaking research at the University of Derby laboratory that aims to save the world’s coral reefs from extinction.

The day-long visit featured two workshops, before ending with the boys playing what Mrs Macdonald described as “perhaps the most complicated board game in history”, through which they learned about how to build a healthy, resilient reef.

“Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the marine environment, but are home to 25% of all marine life.  They are crucial to marine biodiversity,” said Mrs Macdonald. “They also support a way of life and the livelihoods of millions of people around the world, especially in low-income countries (and so have socio-cultural, economic, and environmental significance).

“The scientists at the Coral Spawning Laboratory are engaged in ground-breaking research with the aim of saving reefs from extinction, specifically in relation to the threats of ocean acidification and warming caused by human-induced changes to the carbon cycle and global warming.

“The aims of this trip included: discovering more about these fascinating ecosystems; seeing first-hand how scientific research is undertaken in a laboratory setting and the positive impacts that uncertain, but ground-breaking, science can yield; supporting boys’ studies for their Biology and Geography A-levels; and providing an opportunity to explore the world of conservation biology, molecular ecology, and marine biology, for those considering taking a degree relevant to these fields. Experiences such as these are invaluable to those aspiring to study science at university.”

The 25 participating students were drawn mainly from the current Year 13, but also from Years 11 and 12. They were accompanied by Mrs Macdonald, a Geography teacher in addition to her role as Deputy Head (Academic), and by Gillian Ridge, who is Head of Biology.

Their visit was hosted by Professor Michael Sweet, professor in molecular ecology and co-founder of the Coral Spawning Laboratory, which is at the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, part of the university’s College of Science and Engineering.

Scientists fear for the survival of coral reefs; their extinction is considered a real and imminent threat.  The work of scientists at the Coral Spawning Laboratory and at universities globally is helping to buy time in the hope that the reefs can be kept in existence while climate mitigation progresses.

As the laboratory’s name suggests, the scientists there are pioneering techniques to maximise coral spawning (including ‘Coral IVF’) and undertaking research to discover the ideal environmental conditions for successful coral fertilisation and growth.

The boys enjoyed a tour of the laboratory, during which they had the opportunity to see the coral-spawning tanks and the new seagrass facility, where scientists recently succeeded in getting seagrass to flower and seed in laboratory conditions.

One workshop focussed on coral biology and threats to corals, specifically coral-bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. It included the chance to look at coral through a microscope, identifying the cellular differences between healthy and bleached coral.

The second workshop looked at climate change – at how scientists working collaboratively and with commercial partners can help accelerate the pace of climate-change mitigation and adaptation.

“The boys who attended were very appreciative of this opportunity, with one, for example, expressing interest in the commercial aspects of the team’s work and another enjoying hearing about scientists from different universities working together,” Mrs Macdonald concluded.