Dear Parents, Guardians and Pupils,
Trips & Excursions are a vital part of the King’s education. We offer unique opportunities that enhance academic learning as well as unforgettable cultural experiences, home and abroad.
This brochure details our wide range of exceptional trips.
It’s an exciting first opportunity to see what is planned for 2023-24:
- From the ancient Roman Forum to the contemporary UN headquarters...
- Anne Frank’s humble home to a magnificent Loire Valley château...
- Central Park in New York to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries...
- The slopes of the highest French Alps to the shadow of Mount Vesuvius...
- Classical concerts in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie to gladiatorial showdowns at the Colosseum...
- Canadian lacrosse tournaments to high-performance tennis coaching in Portugal...
- The Blue Lagoon in Iceland to South African game reserves...
Whether new into Shells, or joining us for Sixth Form, the memories made with friends on school trips last a lifetime. All pupils are encouraged to make the most of this fantastic range of opportunities.
Mr Greg Hunter Deputy Head (Co-curricular)
Additional Information:
• Many of the trip details are provisional and therefore subject to change.
• If you have any initial queries, please email the organising member of staff detailed on each trip.
• All paperwork and payments will be coordinated through our trip management system, EVOLVE.
• Additional trips may also be advertised on an individual basis during the coming academic year.
Classics Trip to Rome
Location
Rome, Italy
Dates
20-23 October 2023
Trip leader
Mr Browning
2023-24 Year groups
Fifth, 6a & 6b
Ideal student numbers
30
Additional costs
Personal spending money
Contact
mwb@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched
February 2023
Experience the timeless legacy of the Roman Empire in the Eternal City…
For us, all roads lead to some of the world’s most iconic historical sites: from Palatine Hill (referred to as the original nucleus of the Roman Empire) to the breathtakingly beautiful Colosseum and Pantheon. Amid the glorious ruins of the Roman Forum, we can imagine Cicero delivering his most celebrated speeches.
Alongside visiting these remarkable locations, pupils will also explore how the Latin language and literature developed – and then changed the world forever.
Pupils will spend three nights at the Hotel San Pietro in central Rome, sampling authentic Italian cuisine in its homeland each evening. They will also enjoy a ‘pizza workshop’ and taste the fruits of their labour.
Why join us: A wonderful opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding of Roman history and culture.
Autumn Gold DofE 2023 (Practice)
Gold standard: Take on the trek challenge…
Whether visiting the Peak District, Wales or Lake District (location to be decided), pupils will be camping in various locations. On days 1 and 5, pupils will stay in a hotel.
These epic adventures will be fully supervised by trained leaders of The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme alongside colleagues from King’s itself. Ration packs will be supplied throughout the trip as well as larger meals before and after the treks.
The Duke of Edinburgh Programme aims to positively impact young lives, encouraging personal development and employability. At the same time of course, these expeditions are all about creating memories – and friendships – that will last a lifetime.
Why join us: Enables pupils to challenge their capabilities and work towards their DofE Gold award.
Location
Peaks/Wales/Lakes, UK
Dates
21-26 October 2023
Trip leader
Major Vintner
2023-24 Year groups
6b
Ideal student numbers
24
Additional costs
Personal equipment to support expedition needs
(i.e. personal spending money)
Contact
arv@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched
September 2023
Languages Trip to Seville, Spain
Be immersed in the Spanish way of life in this enchanting and vibrant city...
Southern Spain’s largest city was founded over 2000 years ago, the place of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro… so what better backdrop to learn the language?
student numbers
Additional costs
Personal spending money
Trip launched February 2023
Pupils attend lessons at the prestigious Spanish School of Languages. Thanks to the school, we pair two or three pupils with suitable host families, as we have done for the last 20 years. Supported by their host families, pupils have the ideal environment to gain confidence in speaking Spanish.
Sightseeing visits include the Cathedral, the bullring, the old Jewish Quarter, La Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa and the Plaza de América, with the perfume of orange blossoms on every corner.
An undoubted highlight of the trip is the Sevillanas Dance Lessons on a roof terrace overlooking the city.
Why join us: Enables pupils to gain experience in practising their language skills.
RS & Philosophy Trip to Rome
Deep dive into the religious and classical heritage of the Eternal City…
Rome is a remarkable city with layers of history at every turn. Pupils will visit the iconic Colosseum, Forum ruins, the Catacombs and the Vatican City. Among the great treasures of the Vatican City is The Sistine Chapel, where pupils can see the famous frescoes of Michelangelo.
During this fascinating trip, pupils will also attend the Pontifical Gregorian University to hear from worldrenowned specialists in Theology and Philosophy.
Pupils will be staying in the Hotel Archimede, close to the centre of Rome, where they will further immerse themselves into Italian culture and, of course, enjoy a delicious pizza or two.
Why join us: An intriguing opportunity to understand both the religious and classical sites of one of the world’s most historical cities.
Trip leader
Dr Cardinal 2023-24 Year groups
6b & 6a
Ideal student numbers 20
Additional costs
Personal spending money and money for lunch each day
Contact
dc3@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched March 2023
Economics Trip to New York
Discover why ‘money never sleeps’ in the Big Apple…
Does anywhere else on Earth have a more dynamic business culture than New York City?
This enthralling six-day trip will enable pupils to immerse themselves in this high-flying world. There will be visits to some of the world’s most prestigious economic institutions, including Morgan Stanley, McCann Advertising and the Manhattan Civil Courthouse.
In addition, they will visit the Financial District, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, as well as Ground Zero and Central Park.
Staying in the comfortable Gallivant Hotel, located in Times Square, pupils will use the subway to navigate their way around Manhattan and dine in typical New York restaurants.
Why join us: A thrilling insight into a global business culture that will prove invaluable for pupils preparing for A2 Economics examinations.
Religious Studies Trip to Amsterdam
Explore the rich history and sites of this famous Dutch city…
During this poignant trip, pupils will endeavour to understand the Jewish experience in Amsterdam. They will visit Anne Frank’s House, where she and her family hid to escape persecution before they were discovered and sent to the concentration camps. They will also visit Camp Vught Memorial, which commemorates the deportation of 1,269 Jewish children.
Other aspects of the packed itinerary include a canal cruise under the bridges of Amsterdam, a visit to the National Monument in Dam Square, created in memory of Dutch soldiers and the Nieuwe Kerk, where the Netherlands’ first King was invested.
Pupils will be staying in the Menninger Hotel in Amsterdam City West.
Why join us: A short three-night trip that packs in both the Jewish experience of Amsterdam and WWII history.
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dates
15-18 December 2023
Trip leader
Dr Cardinal 2023-24 Year groups
Remove and Fifth
Ideal student numbers
40
Additional costs
Personal spending money and money for lunch each day
Contact
dc3@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched May 2023
Culture Trip to Hamburg, Germany
Dates
15-18 December 2023
Trip leader
Ms Blum
2023-24 Year groups
Remove, Fifth, 6b, 6a
Ideal student numbers
35
Additional costs
Personal spending money
Contact
aatb@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched
May 2023
Discover the distinctive charms of Hamburg as the city transforms into a fairytale Christmas backdrop…
The festive spirit will be alive and well in this beautiful North German city during our pre-Christmas trip.
The schedule will see pupils visiting Hamburg’s main attractions, including the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Millerntor football stadium, and the Miniature Wonderland, the world’s largest model railway system. It will also include the ‘Schanze’, the smallest district of Hamburg, which has a vibrant multicultural scene.
Pupils will also cruise on the majestic Alster Lakes alongside other sailors, rowers and paddlers.
They will be staying in a hostel in the centre of Hamburg and will enjoy local delicacies, including Frankfurters, of course.
Why join us: Enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere of one of Germany’s most vibrant cities while practising the German language.
Ski Trip to Les Deux Alpes, France
Fabulous skiing to suit all abilities; high up in the French Alps…
With a vast array of ski runs, from nursery to black slopes, this is an exciting and fun-packed trip to Les Deux Alpes in Ecrins. France is suitable for everyone: from beginners to advanced skiers.
Boasting the largest skiable glacier in Europe, Les Deux Alpes is France’s second oldest ski resort, sitting at 1,650m with lift runs to 3,600m. In fact, experienced pupils will be able to enjoy some of the highest skiing slopes in the Alps.
For beginners, we offer expert coaching from instructors throughout the week.
Other winter sports available include alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating and sledding, alongside après ski activities.
Pupils will be staying in a three-star hotel in the Alps.
Why join us: The thrill of the slopes awaits at one of Europe’s best ski resorts.
Location
Les Deux Alpes, France
Dates
1-7 January 2024
Trip leader
Mr Lister
2023-24 Year groups
Remove, Fifth, 6b, 6a
Ideal student numbers
40
Additional costs
All are approximate £50 snowboarding supplement
Pupils should bring money for snacks and souvenirs
Contact
mel@king-school.co.uk
Trip launched
May 2023
Geology Trip to Northern Ireland
An Irish adventure: from the Giant’s Causeway, mining tours and caves to the story of The Titanic…
There are many highlights packed into this four-day trip, particularly the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway. Its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.
Additional costs
Personal spending money Contact mrm@kings-school.co.uk Trip launched
June 2023
Pupils will also explore the Marble Arch Caves in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain and enjoy tours of the mining areas with accompanying guides.
Finally, a visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast allows pupils to see how the liner was built and follow in the footsteps of the designers and shipbuilders who brought it to life.
Pupils will stay in various hotels between destinations.
Why join us: Four days of geological marvels and fascinating tours.
Science Trip to Disneyland Paris, France
A fun way to learn more about STEM subjects as well as enjoying the rides...
This is a study-based experience where pupils will focus on the STEM disciplines, notably Physics, Biology and Maths, while also enjoying one of the world’s most thrilling amusement parks.
By taking pupils out of the classroom, it allows them to learn about technology and how it comes to life in a theme park.
This trip includes a half-day conference where pupils will hear from a variety of expert scientists, who are passionate about demonstrating how science works in an amusement park.
Pupils will stay in the Disneyland B&B Hotel, just 10 minutes from the theme park.
Why join us: Some seriously academic STEM work, including seminars and assignments, balanced by a seriously good time at Disneyland Paris.
Languages Trip to the Loire Valley, France
Location
The Loire Valley, France
Dates
22-25 March 2024
Trip leader
Miss Zanardi
2023-24 Year groups
6b, 6a
Ideal student numbers
25
Additional costs
Money for lunches and souvenirs
Contact
fz@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched
September 2023
Savour one of France’s finest destinations with its enchanting medieval towns, fairytale castles and stunning countryside…
Poised on the crucial frontier between northern and southern France, this region has been of immense strategic importance and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sixth Formers will learn about the History of Art and practise their French Language skills.
Highlights of this lovely trip include visiting the Clos Lucé, the last home of the Italian Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, the historic town of Blois, as well as a local dairy farm and a Chocolaterie. Pupils will also enjoy a boat trip along the scenic Cher river and around the Château de Chenonceau.
Accommodation will be in a hotel close to the valley.
Why join us: A simply gorgeous location to inspire your love of art and the French language itself.
Geography and Classics Trip to Italy
Live ‘la dolce vita’ on a tour of wonderful Italy…
There is nowhere quite like Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. And this trip will encompass the best of all these remarkable locations.
Highlights include a visit to the iconic Mount Vesuvius and a boat trip to the idyllic island of Capri and its famous lemon groves. Pupils will also visit the underground city and Pozzuoli, near Naples, known for its ‘bradyseism’, the gradual uplift or descent of the Earth’s surface, as well as some of the region’s most picturesque villages.
Pupils will also take a trip to a mozzarella farm where they will take part in a pizza workshop to see who the best chef is.
Accommodation will be in a three-star hotel in the pretty coastal resort of Sorrento.
Why join us: An all-round introduction to the natural beauty, heritage and culinary culture of this truly special part of the world.
Additional costs
Personal spending money
Contact
fsd@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched
September 2023
Tennis Tour to Portugal
Game, set and match: pre-season tennis training in the Algarve…
March 23-27 2024
Trip leader
Mr Roger 2023-24 Year groups
Fifth, 6b, 6a
Ideal student numbers
24
Additional costs
Personal spending money
Contact
bjr@kings-school.co.uk
Trip launched
May 2023
16
This pre-season training trip is for pupils preparing for a busy summer term of tennis. It involves over three hours of professional tennis coaching a day as well as time for their studies.
Pupils will be able to work on their technical and tactical play. There will also be the opportunity to build on their new skills by playing other schools.
Staying in the stylish Ria Park Hotel in Vale do Lobo, they will have access to the resort’s state-of-the-art tennis facilities. In doing so, pupils will experience high temperatures on the court to help them focus on improving their endurance, technique and resilience.
Accompanied by staff, pupils will be able to hire courts at no extra cost as well as being able to compete against former professionals.
Why join us: A tennis training camp at a specialist resort to improve skills and enhance summer fitness goals.
