During our time in Tokyo, we visited fascinating temples and shrines, screamed our lungs out at Disneyland, tried to keep quiet on the speedy transport, learned new skills in a fun sushi class, and participated in Japanese baseball culture. Taking the bullet train to Hiroshima completely transformed our surroundings—from a bustling city to a quiet escape. Many students even experienced sleeping on traditional tatami mats! That evening, we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the next day was spent enjoying the unique architecture, magical scenery, and greedy deer of Miyajima. Our time in Japan finished with an authentic okonomiyaki dinner, where we watched our food being made right in front of us.
By Meg Fleetwood (Year 13, Main Student Leader) and Rosa Daji (Year 13, Japanese Student Leader)
After a long plane journey, we arrived in Madrid, where we spent a day exploring sights such as the Plaza Mayor, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Royal Palace. After our time in the capital city, we travelled to Valencia, where the Spanish students met with their host families—an amazing opportunity to immerse ourselves in Spanish culture. Adjusting to the late meals and bedtimes took us by surprise!
While in Valencia, we cycled through the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, visited the city centre, Central Market, and the beach. We made traditional Valencian paella, ate tapas on the waterfront, and even learned to salsa! We then arrived in Barcelona, where we explored the stunning architecture of Antonio Gaudí, including the impressive Sagrada Família. We enjoyed a spontaneous sunset volleyball game on the beach, explored the Gothic Quarter, and visited Montjuïc Castle.
By Matilda Rennie (Year 12, Spanish Student Leader)
We took a six-hour train from Barcelona to Paris. On our first day, we enjoyed a cruise on the Seine River and ate crêpes. As it was later in the evening, the Eiffel Tower was lit up.
In the following days, we explored the Louvre, saw the Mona Lisa, and wandered through several gardens. Some of our group learned how to make macarons, while others learned to bake French-style cupcakes. These experiences allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in French culture. At Versailles, we met our host siblings, and in their town of Chauny, we were introduced to our host families. We attended a day of lessons at the lycée (senior high school) and visited the Caterpillar New Zealand Somme memorial and Le Quesnoy—a town liberated by New Zealand.
By Kate McGrath (Year 13) and Lucy Graham (Year 12), French Student Leaders
