The European Study Tour proved to be an enriching experience for the 30 senior History students who attended. From the grandeur of ancient Rome to the horrors of the Holocaust, each destination offered valuable lessons and insights into the complexities of the History studied in the Stage 6 courses.
Starting in Paris, we visited the Eifel Tower and then the Palace of Versailles which, as a symbol of absolute monarchy, provided insight into the lavish lifestyle of royalty in pre-revolutionary France. A full day in the Somme Valley learning about the Western Front helped us appreciate the costs of war. Climbing the Arc de Triomphe, shopping on the Champs-Elysees and visiting Napoleon’s tomb were the highlights of Day 3. Our evening walk through Paris and dinner in a local restaurant were wonderful experiences.
After arriving in Nuremburg, Germany, we enjoyed traditional German food, followed by a full day of exploration. In the morning, we walked through the old city towards the seat of power in the Holy Roman Empire, Kaiserberg Castle, our tour and hot chocolates in the café were both fantastic. The afternoon visits to Hitler’s underground art bunker followed by Nuremburg markets left us hungry for more delicious German food. On Day 6, a walking tour of the Nuremburg Rally Grounds in Munich and a visit to Courtroom 600 helped us understand the rise and fall of the NAZIS. A tour of Dachau Concentration Camp and the Munich Documentation centre were both sobering reminders of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
The beauty of Sorrento in Italy was a contrast to the cold German spring, and we all enjoyed eating too much Gelato and visiting the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These ancient cities offered a poignant snapshot of daily life in ancient Rome. Climbing Mt Vesuvius was an achievement and a challenge but the spectacular views over the Bay of Naples were well worth the effort. The city of Rome was majestic in spring, and we threw our coins into the Trevi Fountain in the hope that we would all come back. The walking tour of Rome, the tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum all offered a glimpse into the architectural marvels and social dynamics of this great city throughout history.
Overall, it was a journey that left a lasting impression on all who participated as exploring some of the world’s greatest historical sites was an unforgettable experience. The students were a delightful group of young people, becoming more independent and confident as their journey progressed.
Mrs Michelle Pearson
Coordinator History/Legal Studies