🌆 Iconic Views Across Manhattan

One of the standout elements of the trip was the chance to experience New York from above. Students visited two of the city’s most famous viewpoints:

• Empire State Building – offering sweeping views of the entire city by night and a perfect first taste of Manhattan from the skies.
• Top of the Rock – providing a different but equally breathtaking perspective, with the Empire State Building taking centre stage against the iconic skyline.

These visits gave students a real sense of the scale and energy of New York, and many described them as once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments.

🎤 Behind the Scenes at Madison Square Garden

The group enjoyed a guided tour of Madison Square Garden, learning about the arena’s remarkable history and the famous performers and sports teams who call it home. Our guide explained how Madison Square Garden maximises revenue by operating as a fully multipurpose venue—hosting sports, concerts and shows back‑to‑back, using premium seating areas, and keeping the arena in near‑constant use. Standing inside one of the world’s most iconic venues was a highlight for many, offering a glimpse into the cultural heart of the city.

🏦 A Visit to Wall Street

Another memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the world‑famous Wall Street, led by our very own Mrs Tickner, who guided students through the heart of New York’s financial district. Her tour brought the area to life, pointing out key landmarks, sharing fun facts, and giving students a sense of how the area has shaped the city’s history. The tour was followed by a scenic stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

🍫 The Sweet Side of New York

A popular stop was the Hershey’s experience, where students enjoyed a chocolate‑themed tour and activities (and maybe a few too many samples!). This provided a fun, light‑hearted break in the middle of a busy itinerary.

🛍️ Shopping, Food and Everything in between

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without embracing its famous shopping and food culture:

• Browsing Times Square and Fifth Avenue
• Picking up souvenirs, gifts and treats
• Enjoying classic New York pizza, huge American diners, and a mix of local favourites

Students thoroughly enjoyed exploring at street level and experiencing the vibrancy of everyday New York life.

💬 Growing Confidence & Independence

Beyond the attractions, one of the most valuable aspects of the trip was the personal development it encouraged. Students navigated the city, managed schedules and spending money, supported one another, and demonstrated impressive responsibility throughout. Their behaviour and attitude were a credit to the school. One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was seeing new friendships form and students genuinely look out for one another. The group mixed brilliantly, ensuring everyone felt included and part of the experience throughout the week.

👏 Thank You

We are incredibly proud of our Year 13 students for the way they represented the school during every part of the trip.

A huge thank you to Mr Rogers for organising the trip, and to Mrs Thomas, Mrs Tickner, Miss Van Den and Mr Stops for accompanying the students. Their hard work and commitment made the experience possible.