THIRTY-nine of our Geography and Government and Politics students have recently returned from a four-day adventure in Northern Ireland.
The trip for Year 10-12 students from July 6th-9th included visiting Belfast City Hall, The Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Museum Belfast and more.
The report below has been written by Trish Marshall, Teacher of Mathematics and Psychology, and who attended the trip…
“An early start on July 6th saw us heading to Holyhead to catch the ferry for a Geography and Government and Politics whistle-stop extravaganza of all things Northern Irish! Spirits were high despite the long journey, even with lively singing of “Ireland’s Call” and a Kahoot! quiz to get us in the mood. Settling into our Belfast accommodation, after a short walk to the City Hall, we bedded down for another 6.30am wake up call.
“Day 2 saw us heading north west to the famous Causeway Coast, picking up a boat trip from Ballycastle past beautiful smugglers’ caves, the famous Carrick a Rede rope bridge, and many coastal features of a physical geographer’s wish list until finally arriving at the Giant’s Causeway itself. Back to Belfast, we had a private tour of the imposing Stormont parliament building, even sitting in the actual Assembly Chamber and having a mock election about the right to vote at 16. Some free time was then spent relaxing in the beautiful Stormont Park. Prison Island was the evening entertainment after Pizza Express and a taste of locally renowned Maud’s ice cream. Teams of four competed to work out a variety of different physical, technical and mental challenges in 25 different cells under time pressure. Everyone enjoyed the workout and showers were encouraged on our return to the hostel!
“After an enormous Ulster fry-up for breakfast, we learnt more about life in West Belfast on day 3, as our excellent guide took us from Divis to the Shankill along the famous Peace Wall. We had never seen so many wall murals and flags flying, as communities marked their territory even now after all these years of peace. Gates are still closed at 6pm to keep sides apart, with a no man’s land in between. Top of the range sandwiches and a relaxed talk at the Irish Language radio station and café, revived us for the stunning Titanic Museum. The interactive displays captured brilliantly the workmanship in Harland and Wolff’s shipyards, the inside of the ship itself, the dramatic moment the iceberg struck and all of its aftermath. Ten pin bowling and dinner rounded off the evening as we packed for our return journey.
“Day 4 saw us head back south to Dublin port, after a brief walk to Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. The approach to Wales on the ferry was breath-taking with perfect weather conditions, and many enjoyed it on the top deck. The long coach journey was broken up by the watching of the recent ‘Belfast’ film, which received a spontaneous round of applause when it finished. A party vibe then kicked in with various DJs leading us in whole bus sing-alongs and seated dancing. Barton Square came into focus just after 12.30am and with weary heads we all went off on our separate ways. The members of staff were Mr Aguilar, Mrs Jackson, Ms Barnes and myself. A particularly special mention must be made regarding Mr Aguilar and Ms Barnes, who are now leaving King’s. They made the trip so memorable and received leaving cards signed by all the pupils with heartfelt messages. You will be missed!”