A Journey Through Time: Students Explore the Wonders of Rome
Students from Darton, De Warenne, Garforth, and The Vale Academies are now in their second year of studying Latin Language and Civilisation, working towards their GCSE.
While learning about ancient Rome from a textbook offers valuable insights, nothing compares to walking in the footsteps of the Romans themselves! Thanks to the support of The Latin Excellence Programme and funding from The Department for Education, 53 students and 8 staff members had the unforgettable opportunity to experience history firsthand during a four-day residential trip to the Eternal City.
Departing in the early hours of Thursday, 27th February, and returning on Monday, 3rd March, the group embarked on a jam-packed adventure that brought Roman history to life. The trip was a journey through time, with students standing in the mighty Colosseum, wandering the ruins of the Roman Forum, and marvelling at the grandeur of the Pantheon. The group also explored the National Roman Museum and the Baths of Diocletian, uncovering ancient artifacts that deepened their appreciation of Roman civilisation. Every moment spent in the heart of Rome was a powerful immersion into the past.
The educational journey wasn’t all about history, however – there was plenty of time to experience the beauty of modern Rome too. Students and staff enjoyed breathtaking views at Villa Borghese Park, relaxed in the lively Piazza Navona, and indulged in endless servings of authentic Italian gelato.
While the four academies have previously come together at Latin Conferences held at Education House, this trip was the first real opportunity for students to connect beyond the classroom. The experience was embraced wholeheartedly by all, with students forging new friendships and showing great respect for both staff and fellow travellers.
Two representatives from PGL Beyond also accompanied the group to observe the trip and explore ways to enhance school travel experiences. Their verdict? A resounding success! They were thoroughly impressed by the students’ engagement and the powerful impact of multi-school educational trips.
Claire Hill, Latin and French Lead at Delta Academies Trust, commented:
“This was my first time organising a multi-academy trip, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. The expertise of seasoned staff from four different academies played a crucial role in ensuring everything ran seamlessly, with any potential challenges handled efficiently along the way.”
Helen Holmes, Senior Director of Modern Foreign Languages at Delta Academies Trust, added: “Four out of five academies are in their second year of the Latin Excellence Programme, and as part of the Department for Education’s requirement, we wanted to offer an international trip. Claire Hill, our Lead Teacher of French and Latin, organised this successful journey, which included 53 Year 10 & 11 students and 8 staff from Darton, De Warenne, Garforth, and The Vale, with return flights from Manchester. This was the first time that a multi-academy trip of this kind was undertaken, and we had two PGL staff join us to observe and learn from the experience.”
The group walked over 80,000 steps throughout the trip, with each evening’s meal enjoyed at a different local restaurant. On the final night, a student from De Warenne stood up in the restaurant and gave a heartfelt speech to thank Claire Hill and the staff. It was truly a memorable moment.
Helen Holmes continued:
“In my 33 years of teaching, this is the best trip I have ever been on! The students’ behaviour was exemplary. There wasn’t a single behaviour issue and the staff were outstanding, sharing the responsibility to ensure everything flowed seamlessly. The PGL staff were amazed by the teamwork and unity of the 8 Delta staff members, which I believe is a testament to the ‘Delta MFL’ team spirit and the additional camaraderie the programme has built between our Latin teachers and Claire.”
Stacy Barks, Manager at PGL Beyond, expressed:
“A huge thank you to Delta Academies Trust for the incredible opportunity to join the recent Latin trip to Rome with my colleague Kate Astley. It was inspiring to witness the power of multi-school travel and seamless collaboration among staff, led by the exceptional Claire Hill. The staff’s calm and resilient management of Rome’s unpredictability was a testament to the strong culture of collaboration and dedication to excellence that Delta Academies instils. Every staff member was deeply committed to providing the best opportunities for each pupil, creating an atmosphere of respect, growth, and mutual support. The pupils, in turn, displayed confidence, politeness, and an openness to new experiences. It was clear they felt safe, supported, and proud to be part of the Delta Academies community. We’re excited to continue supporting your staff and pupils and look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.”
This unforgettable journey to Rome was more than just a school trip- it was a unique opportunity to step into history, form lasting memories, and experience the magic of the ancient world in a way no textbook ever could.