A short coach ride to the airport and off our students went!

Over the course of the week, we had the opportunity to go into an Italian high school and meet some of the teachers and staff. Students and members of staff from our host school "Liceo G. Pascoli" warmly welcomed us into their classrooms and "opened a window" into the Italian school system for us.​ An invaluable occasion to look at the differences and similarities of the schools. ​Mrs Bernini from Liceo Pascoli who previously brought two Italian classes to Canons for our exchange, welcomed us at the school entrance with Class 3E. 

A big thank you to students and staff
at Liceo Pascoli for their lovely hosting!

The teachers prepared a programme which included Maths, PE, English, History and Italian lessons. For example, in one lesson students had the chance to read and analyse an extract from Dante’s Canto I. Our students played volleyball and even enjoyed some traditional dishes prepared by Pascoli's students. For many it was an opportunity to practice their linguistic skills, create some international connections and be part of a new community. ​

 ❝ What I enjoyed in Italy was visiting a
different country, eating their food and trying their culture, and I made lots of friends!❞
- Hussein H

It didn't end there as after school, the students and teachers took us on a walking tour around the city including Santa Croce, Brunelleschi Dome, Ponte Vecchio and the Battistero di San Giovanni for example. 

The beautiful architecture of
The Brunelleschi Dome 

Did you know?

Santa Croce is the burial place of notable Italians, including those from the Italian Renaissance such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli!

During that time many students formed connections and friendships with students from Italy. Our partnership with Liceo G. Pascoli is one that will be continued over the years to come. 

Beautiful weather for lots of walking... 

We strolled across the river Arno, saw some beautiful attractions, soaked in the atmosphere of local markets, and indulged in authentic Italian gelato!​ We also participated in a series of cultural activities and tasted some local delicacies such as gnocchi and "Torta della nonna" or "grandmother's cake", a Tuscan specialty.  

Made all that walking worth it!

On Friday we went to the ""Museo degli Uffizi", where we were accompanied by local tour guides who informed us about the history of the Medici family and saw some of the works of famous artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’,  ‘Adoration of the Magi’ and ‘Medusa’ by Caravaggio.

Later that day, we watched the sun set by Piazzale Michelangelo, with a beautiful view of the city and enjoyed dancing with the locals. 

❝ I really liked walking around Florence and going to the Uffizi Gallery, I also liked that we were allowed to walk
around in our own groups.
The Italian students were really nice.❞
- Gordin A

Piazzale Michelangelo,
the best panoramic view of Florence

Then, on Saturday morning we went to the Galileo Museum which was founded in 1930. Inside we found a host of medical instruments collected by Medici, as well as maps and sculptures that have shape our way of perceiving the world.  

Armillary sphere designed by
Antonio Santucci in 1593 

On average, each day of the trip we did approximately 15-20k steps. This means that between the 32 of us we walked 480,000 to 640,000 steps per day!  Over the course of 5 days, amounts to a staggering 2.4 million to 3.2 million steps during our entire trip. How impressive!

We also used the local transportation to get around the city on some occasions. I think that helps to make up for all the pasta, pizza, gelato,  and for some of us, McDonald’s eaten during the trip! 

Finally, on our departure day, we visited Palazzo Gucci, where we purchased some final souvenirs and snacks before heading off to visit the iconic leaning tower of Pisa. 

 The Leaning Tower of Pisa is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site

❝ I loved the trip to Italy, I loved going to The Leaning Tower of Pisa, and going to the Italian school.
Truly a trip I will never forget.❞
- Haris A

A big thank you to Mr Di Egidio, Ms Matomby and Ms Gorasia for their exceptional leadership and the KS3 and KS4 team to organise the trip!