Blessed with delightful weather, excellent food and wonderful company throughout, the trip combined scholarship with adventure in equal measure.
The itinerary took them from the wonderful Duomo, now a church but once the temple of Minerva, and archaeological treasures of Syracuse to the magnificent Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, the Roman remains of Catania and the spectacular theatre at Taormina. Places that pupils had previously encountered through texts, lessons and discussion suddenly became real before their eyes. Beautifully harrowing rendition of Athenian disaster in Sicily in the war with the Spartans was delivered by Mr Bartlett with enormous flair.
Along the way, they picked up a few lessons that will not appear in any examination specification. Learning the art of Italian gestures, which will remain part of our shared inside knowledge for years to come. They discovered that, in Sicily, the best place in the sun is often the shade. Under the watchful presence of “Mamma Etna”, as the locals affectionately call the volcano, many pupils also embraced the opportunity to try new foods and experience a different way of life.
At its best, education broadens horizons and awakens curiosity. Standing among these extraordinary monuments of the ancient world, our pupils experienced something that cannot easily be recreated in a classroom: a genuine sense of awe. Such moments remind us that the world is larger, older and more fascinating than we often imagine.
The trip was not simply an opportunity to learn about the past, but to be inspired by it. We hope that Sicily will remain one of those formative experiences that quietly shapes how our pupils think about history, culture and their place in the wider world for years to come. Respice, Prospice (look back, look forward).
