Island VI Form students have returned from an unforgettable Classical Civilisations trip to Greece – with an unexpected bonus extra day for extra measure!
Thirty A Level students travelled to Athens to support their studies in history, literature, tourism, art and politics, three years after the original trip had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. They enjoyed a guided tour of the Acropolis, including the world heritage sites of the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Ancient Agora on a beautifully sunny day. This was followed by a trip to the mountains to walk up through the sanctuary at Delphi, which was once the base for the oracle at the Temple of Apollo.
Listening to Mr Stott in the Tomb of Agamemnon
Due to unforeseen circumstances the group had to stay an extra day in Greece, and they took the opportunity for a rare visit to the Bronze Age citadel at Mycenae. Once home to Agamemnon before he set sail for the Trojan War, the students explored the 3,500 year old site, including the shaft graves and beehive tomb. During the week away, VI Form students also managed to visit the National Archaeological Museum, Corinth Canal, the towns of Arachova and Nafplio, and took the funicular up to enjoy the views of Athens at the top of Mount Lycabettus. They were accompanied by History and Classics teachers Miss Lowthion, Mr Stott and Mr Corner.
Miss Lowthion told us that “the trip was an incredible adventure for our young people, some of whom had never been abroad before. Our Classical Civilisation students have been studying these ancient sites for many months but to explore them first hand is invaluable for their learning. It was such a pleasure to spend a week with our students, and share this exciting cultural experience with them all.”
On their return the students commented that “the architecture was interesting… the sheer scale of the walk to the temple at Delphi was a favourite… and the trip was a great success!”
