The Laurel’s first overseas residential in 4 years
Memories to last a lifetime were created when students from The Laurel Academy travelled to Barcelona in its first foreign residential trip in four years.
For some in the 39-strong party, it was their first ever flight, taking them to three nights and four days in Catalonia.
Sites visited included the FC Barcelona Camp Nou, La Sagrada Familia, Cosmo Caixa Museum, Casa Batllo, La Boqueira Market, Las Ramblas and Barceloneta beach.
Trip leader Michelle Laing said: “I’ve been planning and running trips for more than 15 years, and this truly was the best yet.
The opportunities that our students and staff witnessed was amazing.
They walked more than 39 miles and covered so many of the attractions that Barcelona has to offer.
The itinerary was jam packed and each of our students were an absolute credit to our school.
To be part of a student’s first flight or trip abroad is just the best feeling.
Some of our pupils had never been in a city or travelled on an underground. The metro was an incredible experience.
We ate in some amazing places including La Boqueira Market and Mexgal Restaurant where we enjoyed traditional Catalonian food. We even managed to fit in Hard Rock Café Barcelona.
Thank you to Team Barcelona and Kate at NST for planning a super trip.”
Five staff accompanied the students. It was the first foreign trip under Principal Katy Taylor Clarke and she was kept updated every step of the way.
Staff member Ann Peart felt privileged to go.
“I was nervous but excited,” she said. “Even though a lot of work went into the organisation of the trip, our students were a true credit to the academy and had a brilliant time.
The trip ran very smoothly, was very well organised and the city was an amazing place.
The sites that we visited have created memories for me that will last a lifetime. I can’t thank Mrs Taylor-Clarke and Mrs Laing enough for giving me this opportunity to go.
Also, the other staff members that went really worked together and it was a pleasure being in their company. Teamwork really did make the dream work!
I hope that more students get opportunities to visit cultural places abroad as I would highly recommend the trip.”
Students were full of praise.
Abi said: “I enjoyed my first plane flight.”
Liv marvelled at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia.
“I enjoyed the cathedral a lot because of the architecture,” she said.
Oliver’s favourite destination was Camp Nou, home of Barcelona football club.
“Visca El Barca!” he said.
Jennifer and Oliver enjoyed the trip and learned a lot of new things about Barcelona.
“It allowed us time together and time with friends,” they said.
Hannah, Amelia, Millie, Ruby, Alicia all loved the beach.
Kate Astley, from organisers NST, part of PGL Beyond, said:
“It was another successful trip – all thanks to Michelle Laing’s passion and enthusiasm, creating a true wow!
What an experience for the pupils. It was a perfect collaboration; our Expertise at NST with the group leaders’ clear vision helped turn their goals for the pupils into reality.
It’s always a pleasure working with teachers and colleagues across the Delta Academies Trust. I can’t wait to work on the next unforgettable trip!”
