Over the summer, our Sixth Form students embarked on remarkable journeys, gaining unforgettable experiences and personal growth along the way. Special thanks to Olivia and Isadora for sharing their inspiring stories with us!
The summer holidays began with a two-week, tech-free school trip to Kenya. It was an amazing experience of cultural exchange and an opportunity to contribute to the community. We learned about coral conservation and helped build artificial reefs. We also went on a two-day safari, where we saw as many of the Big Five animals as we could.
After a week at home, I spent five days in London doing work experience at IFS with a friend. I learned about the company and what it’s like to work in an office, which is quite different from what you see on TV! Soon after, I attended a week-long singing course in Oxford. The course was intense, but we had the opportunity to sing in several college chapels. It was wonderful to focus entirely on my singing while meeting others who shared my passion.
Not long after, I went on a four-night trip to Istanbul. Having studied the Ottoman Empire this year, it was incredible to connect my studies with real-world history. I saw the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (built by Ahmed I, who broke the royal tradition of fratricide), and the Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, created by one of the most influential Grand Viziers in Ottoman history. I also visited the Suleymaniye Mosque, built during the reign of Suleiman the Lawgiver, and containing the tombs of the Sultan and his famous wife, Hurrem (Roxelana). I toured Topkapi Palace and later the Dolmabahçe Palace, which was built by Sultan Abdulmejid as his primary residence.
Finally, I spent a week in Salcombe with my family, braving some chilly swims in the sea. It was a refreshing end to a memorable summer!
By Isadora, UVI
This summer was incredibly busy and rewarding for me, with the Kenya trip being one of its highlights. We were able to immerse ourselves in a culture completely different from our own, which was deeply impactful. Without phones or other technology, we were able to fully appreciate the significance of our work and connect with each other across year groups in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Being without phones made the trip even more enjoyable by removing distractions, allowing us to connect more meaningfully with each other, our surroundings, and the work we were doing. The experience left a lasting impression.
Additionally, this summer I completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition, trekking one hundred miles over six days from Winchester to Eastbourne along the South Downs Way. It was both physically and mentally challenging, especially with some injuries, but the experience taught me resilience and determination. I am incredibly proud to have completed it!
By Olivia, UVI
