Wallace Pupils Visit Barcelona and London

Written by | News

The Wallace High School has a long history of pupils visiting other countries as part of their curricular and extra curricular activities and this year looks set to continue this trend. With trips already having taken place to Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands, over 60 pupils recently enjoyed visits to London and Barcelona which combined their academic studies with some fun and sight seeing.

With much of Northern Ireland snow bound before Easter, 43 pupils escaped the wintry conditions in Lisburn to spend an exciting and sun filled five days in Barcelona. The teenagers, who are all studying Spanish at Key Stage 3 or 4 took every opportunity whilst in this most beautiful city to develop their language skills and also to get a real sense of the Spanish lifestyle.

barcelona olympic stadium visit

Cultural highlights of the trip included visits to the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Parc Guell and Monserrat, whilst sports fans (especially Mr Glenn) enjoyed the visits to the 1992 Olympic Stadium and the world famous Camp Nou Stadium, home to Barcelona FC. Undoubtedly the highlight of the trip was the day spent in Port Aventura Amusement Park which was thoroughly enjoyed by both staff and pupils alike.

barc monserrat photo

Commenting on the trip, Year 11 pupil Jess Rodgers said: “I loved every minute of our trip and it was great to experience the warm weather and the Spanish culture. As well as visiting famous monuments, we also went to an amazing Magic Show and did lots of shopping. It was a fantastic five days and has definitely helped improve my Spanish listening and speaking skills. I would also like to thank the staff who gave up their time to take us away and who looked after us so well.”

A group of Year 13 Politics students, accompanied by Mr Michael Lowry and Miss Alana Frey took part in a three day educational visit to London, allowing them to experience first hand the workings of the British political system and thus supplementing classroom learning.

Whilst there, they improved their knowledge of democracy by visiting Speaker’s Corner. They also embarked on a walking tour of Whitehall becoming familiar with the sights and sounds of the “Westminster Village”. A tour of Parliament also enabled students to firmly grasp how the mother of Parliament works.

london 2013

An action packed itinerary also included a visit to The Wallace Collection with students having the opportunity to explore the links between Sir Richard Wallace and Lisburn. Undoubtedly the highlights were the question and answer sessions with Jeffrey Donaldson MP and former government member Kate Hoey MP, whilst the tour party were granted a rare meeting with Lord Justice Kerr, the only representative on the United Kingdom Supreme Court from Northern Ireland. This enabled students to increase their knowledge and understanding of the workings of the judicial system in the United Kingdom.

supreme court

Mr Michael Lowry explained the educational benefits of the trip: “We have undertaken this trip to London for a number of years and the pupils always benefit greatly from the experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for staff and pupils alike to meet with Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Kate Hoey MP and also Lord Justice Kerr. These meetings and the other aspects of the tour can only help our pupils understanding of Politics in the United Kingdom.”

Last modified: May 8, 2013