During the April school holidays and the first week of Term 2, 34 students visited various countries in Europe for the Battlefields Cultural Tour.

The first stop was London where students enjoyed going back in time by visiting HMS Belfast, the Imperial War Museum, and Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms. They also visited Shakespeare’s Globe and the Harry Potter Studios, saw a West End production and much more.

Next on the itinerary was Krakow, Poland. This was a historically significant city in WW2. The visit to Auschwitz was both thought-provoking and significant to pass on to the next generation, ensuring that this horrific act of human behaviour is not repeated. Other visits also included Wieliczka Salt Mines and Old Town.

In the second week, students explored Austria and the City of Music, Vienna. The unique blend of imperial grandeur and vibrant culture with the magnificent buildings, rich heritage and famous Viennese cuisine made for an unforgettable experience. En route to Munich (Germany), we travelled to the picturesque Salzburg and Mondsee to walk in the steps of the Von Trapp family. Munich was an immersion in the Bavarian history and culture. A quick visit to BMW Welt with a robotic barista and new prototypes had many students dream big! A highlight was seeing fantasy come to life with our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.

The next stop was Amsterdam, in the Western Netherlands. We visited the Resistance Museum, Anne Frank’s House, and the Van Gogh Museum.

The third week of our tour commenced with students and staff visiting the various battlefields around Ieper, Belgium. Students had the privilege of paying their respects to fallen soldiers and laying a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate. Hearing the bugle call left the group feeling quite emotional, especially after visiting numerous memorials and cemeteries in the surrounding area.

The final leg of our tour was spent in Paris, France. Students had a wonderful time exploring the many significant sights, enjoying the café-coffee culture and visiting Disneyland.

Having the opportunity to travel abroad, provided students with the benefit of learning valuable life skills, gaining a global perspective and broadening horizons, building relationships and getting a hands-on educational experience. Students had the opportunity to try new things and have a fun experience, creating incredible memories that will last them a lifetime.

Anmar van der Westhuizen
Head of James House / Secondary English Teacher