Year 12 and 13 students from The Sir John Colfox Academy and Beaminster School have just returned from a once in a lifetime trip to New York City! The students returned on the 19th of February after 5 days of exploration around New York with memories that will be spoken of for years to come. All the students have said that the experience was ‘completely unbelievable’ with their accommodation being in the heart of New York, surrounded by theatres hosting Broadway shows and only a 2-minute walk from the famous Times Square. Maisie, a Year 12 student, said, “It felt like I was living in a movie” and Tegan also in Year 12 described Times Square as being “magical”.

Times Square was a popular favourite of many of the students who were astonished by the sheer magnitude of the screen advertising which is a complete contrast to anything they have experienced while living in Dorset. Students felt it couldn’t be compared to large cities such as London as the atmosphere was so different. An interesting fact is that Times Square can be viewed from space! Students immersed themselves within the culture of New York through various experiences, one of the most significant being a street art and graffiti tour around Brooklyn by a leading graffiti artist. Students gathered around and listened attentively to a passionate artist who taught the students about the history of graffiti in New York and learnt about the complex systems of etiquette amongst artists whilst looking at some amazing real art. The graffiti brought the street to life and was a vibrant representation to the students of New York’s history and the strong attitudes to those who make the city what it is. Further exploring New York’s culture, students were lucky enough to visit the 9/11 ‘memorial pools’ and the memorial itself. Everyone was given the opportunity before entering the memorial to take their time and observe the footprints of the famous Twin Towers as tour guides gave background to the tragic event but also some important details.

There was a clear indication that the magnitude of the event had not been fully perceived by the students until seeing the site first-hand and the true scale of them in person. Upon entering the memorial, it was clear to see awareness growing as the significance of the attack was realised by the students. The students spent just under two hours in the memorial, educating themselves on the history of the attack and trying to understand the true gravity of what happened on that day. Tilly stated, “I felt stunned, and it was incomprehensible how such an event could have even happened.” She added, “I'm not really sure how to put it into words because it’s more of a feeling than a thought.” The student recollections of the experience speak for themselves, and it was apparent that many students are going to be reflecting on thoughts gathered from the memorial now they have arrived home. It was a profoundly unforgettable experience.

One thing all students agree on was their exhaustion! Good walking shoes are essential as New York is certainly not a small city - especially when you have lots to see! Students had the opportunity to visit Grand Central Station, Central Park, the famous Guggenheim Museum, walking all around Manhattan and much more! The students were lucky enough to indulge in some great sight-seeing which included a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and marvelling at the New York skyline from two angles (the Empire state building and The Edge platform). Activities followed through into the evenings, including trips to the cinema, a show on Broadway and ice-skating amongst the skyscrapers. The skylines were like nothing they’d seen before! Iris in Year 12 described the sights as “surreal and breathtaking” and Arturo also in Year 12 stated, “I wish it had lasted longer”.

New York’s food was loved by all, especially the vast supply of popular food chains, dining in the evening in iconic restaurants such as Applebee's and the Hard Rock Cafe. However, one day students had lunch in the famous Chelsea Market where they ate a diverse range of food from many cultures and there was something for everyone.

The trip was truly incredible as described by all students and the teachers themselves who attended. The students were given a completely new perspective of the world around them, gaining a valuable insight into the magnitude of the world they are living in. The Sixth Form were provided with a trip that created memories to last a lifetime.

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