During ‘the fall’ of October 2024, thirty five Year 9 and 10 pupils and five members of staff travelled across the Atlantic Ocean on what was a truly ‘awesome’ cultural experience.

The flight out was smooth and our party was looked after by some wonderful Virgin Airlines staff.

After the monotonous diligence of customs control, a meandering bus journey, led by our NY guide Lyn, took us to the heart of Manhattan in downtown New York. A quick change in our Hotel on 7th Avenue and we were off to Raising Cains to sample their globally acclaimed chicken, toast, fries and sauce.

For the first full day the group divided in two, as the dancers and Drama pupils waltzed off to perform with specialists, including a professional dancer and actor in a downtown dance studio and Performing Arts centre for the day. The artists refuelled in the Times Square Café before appreciating the many sites on display en route to MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art). It was a fantastic experience to see so many famous artworks up close. Out of 5 floors of Art I think the pupils’ favourite was Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’. All pupils then ventured to Central Park for an afternoon picnic in the sun. Teatime was spent in the Hard Rock Café on Times Square, with pupils enjoying both music and memorabilia on display (and the unlimited sodas). It was then on to ‘Six on Broadway’ to see the show all about Henry VIII’s wives.

Our Friday was planned around discovering the sites of New York. After a hearty breakfast we were off to Grand Central station, the party travelled by tube to Battery Park. We purchased the necessary trinkets and gifts from the sellers and were ferried to Liberty Island to see the enigmatic Statue of Liberty. It was a beautiful, crisp, sunny afternoon as in small groups, we made our way around the island. Once back in Battery Park we then visited and had time for reflection at ground zero. Before we knew it, the relentless Miss McNamara and Miss Rapple were leading us to mid-town. A short train journey took us back to our spiritual NY base camp – Times Square. After witnessing some lively, interactive street performers we enjoyed tea at Gayle’s Broadway Rose. A vibrant joint singing Broadway show classics, as they served. The pupils’ response to the performers was fantastic and they were also not shy when tipping the waiters and waitresses to show their appreciation. After 27, 000 steps covering 19km, we thought we would call it a night. The girls still had the energy for a movie night on the 9th floor!
Our final day in the ‘Big Apple’ saw a frenzy of purchases (and more marching), as the dismal exchange rate of the pound to the dollar did nothing to hamper the spending power of the group. All pupils were clearly in their comfort zone as the bundles of ‘green’ were exchanged for an array of luxury items and gifts.

Before we knew it we were being whisked off by coach to the airport.

During the overnight flight back to Heathrow and the bus journey home, pupils were able to reflect on those instant memories, as thoughts started to shift from the buzz of Manhattan to the excitement of seeing their friends and family to share what was a memorable experience for all.