History, Politics and English Literature Sixth Form students travel the USA
Our sixth form students who are currently studying History, Politics and English Literature for A level had the most incredible opportunity to visit New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC during half term. They visited significant historical and political sites and landmarks, as well as toured the Long Island of Gatsby Gold Coast Mansions that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's writings of The Great Gatsby.
A day-to-day account of their exciting trip is as follows:
Friday 20th October
Day 1 in New York was an incredible and memorable first day that started with riding the subway to Harlem to hear Dorothy Zellner speak with passion and emotion about the civil rights movement as well as enjoy a tour of the UN building. We continued the tourist trail and headed to the ferry, sailing to Liberty Island, viewing the iconic Statue of Liberty. The next stop was one of emotion as we visited the 9/11 Memorial, an quiet and reflective experience of reading the names of those lives taken. We proceed to walk through the amazingly architectured Westfield Shopping Centre, followed by a rainy walk to Brooklyn Bridge at night which took our breaths away seeing the evening city scape.
Saturday 21st October
We started our day with a coach ride to the Gatsby-style mansions in Long Island. The opulence of Old Westbury Gardens gave them a taste of Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s life, whilst the easy access to the beach and Long Island Sound from Sands Point Preserve helped us appreciate Gatsby’s mansion and grounds in Fitzgerald’s novel. We then headed back to New York City and the MET Museum of Modern Art to see spectacular art from Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh and the Art for the Millions Exhibit of 1930s inspired artwork. At twilight we took a walk through Central Park to a most fantastic surprise cabaret dinner.
Sunday 22nd October
As we bid farewell to New York City, we arrived in Philadelphia by coach to learn about the Liberty Bell and the signing of the Constitution. Ther was time for some shopping and a one-of-a-kind food market known as Reading Terminal. The colours of autumn were very much in full flow, together with the entertainment afforded by Mr Balmer's USA Coach Quiz as we journied from Philadelphia to Washington DC, arriving at 6.30pm.
Monday 23rd October
We woke to a crisp and bright 'Fall' day in Washington DC and set off for the Capitol and a guided tour of the Heart of America. A visit to the Supreme Court was followed by The White House, bathing in the glorious sunshine and blue skies and having the opportunity to walk through suburban Washington DC. Our appetites were satisfied at the landmark eatery Ben’s Chili Bowl as well as a quick visit to Trader Joe’s.
Tuesday 24th October
Despite Tuesday being the last day, we continued our exploits by visiting the Washington Monument, the World War II and Lincoln Memorials and the Smithsonian Museum of African American Culture & History before heading to Dulles Airport to head back home.
All members of the trip had the most amazing (if exhausting) trip, exhilirated by our adventures but arriving home with memories that will last a lifetime!
