Posted 10 January 2019

Over the Christmas break 15 lucky students from Bradford Academy were given the opportunity to enjoy an overnight stay in London.

The students enjoyed a sightseeing guided tour which included a visit to the British Museum, seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, wandering around Green Park and being entertained by the fantastic street performers in Covent Garden.

In the evening, the students took to the West End and watched ‘Everybody’s talking about Jamie’ –a powerful musical based on a real life story about a young boy with a secret passion for drag. This delivered an encouraging message to learners about being themselves whilst also allowed them to consider some of the issues faced by the LBGTQ Community in today’s society.

For many, this was their first visit to London and this opened their eyes to some of the wider opportunities available outside of their home town. Students were pushed out of their comfort zone – riding the tube and navigating the hustle and bustle of London – but thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to spend time with friends and staff.

Dianne Hitch, Bradford Academy staff member said:

“Overall the trip allowed the learners to grow in confidence and build their self-esteem, raising aspirations and inspiring young people to dream big and achieve. Educationally they experienced performance, music, history, independence, responsibility, role models, behaviour, how to work as a team, looking out for each other and taking care of one another.

As we handed the learners over to their parents’ two quotes come to mind –

“I’m going to be on that stage when I leave school!”

“Can we come again?””

 Catherine Garbutt, HEPO, Bradford Academy