Richmond
Park

We’ll always have Paris 

(Casablanca) 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Dr. Seuss 

For us, Paris was an open book, filled with glorious, illustrated pages waiting for students to write their own chapters and experiences alongside its own history.  The concept of learning beyond the classroom is nothing new. For Year 10 students, we hope it will be Paris that becomes one of their more treasured memories.  

The planning started long before the trip took place. What do you choose from a city that has been in existence since 3 BCE and has since been the centre of revolutions and cultural dominance that has shed its influence throughout the entire world?  

Saint Chapelle, the 13-century chapel that positively radiated light as a Gothic gem from its 1113 colourful stained-glass windows illuminated the start of our journey. Students marvelled at its complex majesty that was once only reserved for the gaze of the king and his most intimate court.  

Many more treasures were unveiled in the famous Louvre, y the largest and most visited museum in the world. Whether it was The Victory of Samothrace, who heralded visitors as they entered the Denon Wing or the elusive, glowing smile of the Mona Lisa that took centre stage like some Hollywood celebrity at the Oscars, each student found at least one piece which fired their imagination.  

In the afternoon, the size of the Louvre was replaced by the intimacy and delicate harmony of sight and sound of “En Amour” an immersive, interactive experience series conceived by the Adrien M & Claire B company at the Cité de Musique, Philharmonie de Paris. Students could also study and listen to the evolution of instruments on each of its five floors.  

Opulence and splendour again took centre stage at the Palais Garnier, site of the Opera Nacional where we were literally overwhelmed by Rocco ornamentation. Such was the political turmoil of the day, its architect, Charles Garnier was reduced to buying his own entrance ticket at the inauguration of his own building.  

Monet’s “Water lilies” and Van Gogh’s tormented landscapes welcomed us at The Musée d’Orsay which helped the IGCSE art students to develop their own themes for their portfolio component. Tracing these artists’ footsteps as well as many others, including Picasso, in the famous neighbourhood of Montmartre where they  lived when fame and recognition still escaped them, was an extension that put their work in a wider context.  

The final activity was the Eiffel Tower, after arduously walking up 674 of the 1,665 steps to the second floor, we crossed the Seine to the Trocadero to view the tower’s illumination in the evening’s fading light.  

To summarise, I think it is best left to the students, so here are two excerpts I think reflect the general reaction. Additionally, both Ms Orton and I would like to pass on our appreciation. Firstly, to the group, who were exemplary for the trip; the administration staff, and especially the school secretary Mariela Boada for her time and patience. Finally, to the parents who supported their children through this wonderful experience and trusted us in the process. 

The 2024 Year 10 Paris trip was a great new international experience for the school. While remaining safe and secure, it was an exciting and fun experience for everyone who enjoys traveling and seeing famous and historic buildings and monuments. Our time there was used very effectively as we were able to go to many of the key tourist attractions in Paris. Despite this, we were still able to enjoy a good amount of free time and it didn’t feel too dense. The hotel was great and I had a great time all together. 

Leo Dahlquist Perez 

   

Greg Williams  

Trip leader and art teacher         

          

Alice Orton  

Secondary Faculty Leader of Creative and Performing Arts