Edinburgh Trip

As half term approached and storm Babet hit the UK, 47 Year 8 students and staff set off to Edinburgh. The stormy weather did not stop us and we had a smooth journey down.  There was a quick dash from the coach in the wind and rain into the museum on our arrival. Students took time to explore each floor looking at the amazing scientific and technological advances through time including Dolly the Sheep and the amazing animal display.

After checking in to the Edinburgh Youth hostel, we ate our evening meal and then had a quiz night, delivered by the wonderful quiz master, Ms Byard. Students were very competitive for the final prize. It was very close!

The next day, we headed to Edinburgh zoo. The rain had eased and the students were lucky enough to see the UK’s only giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian. They will be leaving the zoo in December to return to China as part of conservation work as they are at the end of a 10-year program here.  The students enjoyed the experience and bought lots of gifts in the gift shop for themselves and their families – many a cuddly animal teddy too, I may add!

An afternoon of shopping followed in St James quarter which saw more purchases from students eager to show us their “haul”, once back at the youth hostel. We had an evening meal that proved popular due to the brownies and then a trip tenpin bowling. Students and staff competed in teams and even the staff got involved. Some strong skills seen and lots of strikes. There were some intense games of air hockey going on too!

The final morning consisted of a swift tidy up and checking out of rooms. We then headed to Edinburgh castle. It was a beautiful sunny, but chilly day with no signs of storm Babet remaining. This meant that the views from the top of the castle were stunning. Students had a look at some of the castle and entered the crown room which contains the Honours of Scotland and are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. They were also used in the Coronation of King Charles III earlier in the year.

Overall, the whole experience was really enjoyable to students and both staff. There were some wonderful memories made and they were a credit to both the school and their parents.

Mrs R Cahill

(Trip Leader)

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