England 2011 Summer Program

Mr. Colly Burgwyn and several Trinity middle school students have headed to England for the Independent Schools Cultural Alliance England 2011 Summer Program.  Mr. Burgwyn took some time out of their busy schedule to drop us a note and let us know what they have been up to.

  July 24, 2011

Greetings All!
 
We awoke this morning to a beautiful, bright, sunny day for sports.  The Trinity kids were eager for a day on the athletic fields after two wonderful days of touring.  This morning they are playing more touch rugby, field hockey, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and cricket.
 
The past two days have been exceptional.  We have visited some of the most renown places in England and the kids have found them fascinating.  On Thursday we began with a tour of Stratford-upon-Avon.  This adventure began with an interesting visit to the house where William Shakespeare was born and raised.  This was followed by a very informative guided tour of the town of Stratford that took us to many of the historic sites around town and concluded at Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.
 
After a picnic lunch beside the River Avon, we boarded the coaches for a brief ride to Oxford.  Here we divided into small groups, each with a guide, and learned all about the historic town of Oxford and the famous university.  Of course, no visit to Oxford would be complete without the purchase of an Oxford University sweatshirt.  All of our "scholars" are now proudly displaying the colors of their new favorite university!!  Please check the blogs for the many photos displaying the new shirts!
 
On Friday, we returned to London for one of the best days of the program.  The weather was sunny and mild which adding greatly to a day spent largely outside.  Our first destination was the Tower of London.  The highlights of this trip included seeing the Crown Jewels that are housed there, visiting the White Tower and learning about the many kings and queens of England and a picnic lunch on the Tower grounds while the famous Tower ravens looked on, begging for bits of our food.
 
After leaving the Tower of London, we walked a short way to the Museum of London.  At this informative museum, the entire history of the city is uniquely displayed with both exhibits and activities for the students. 
 
Our final destination of the day was St. Paul's cathedral which was just another short walk away.  This is one of the most popular stops in the program as the cathedral is large, beautiful, historic and full of interesting things to see.  The highlight of this visit was that the entire Trinity group, myself included, climbed all the way to the top of the cathedral to view the entire city of London.  It was a long climb of over 600 steps with an incredible reward at the end.  The pictures we took form the top of St. Paul's are stunning.  Again, check the blogs for a small sample of this wonderful day in London.
 
Tomorrow we begin our final week in England.  Many wonderful experiences await us next week.  Tomorrow we return to London for tours of the British Museum, Covent Garden and Hampton Court, the palace of King Henry VIII.  It will be another amazing day of travel.
 
In closing, I can again affirm that the students from Trinity continue to conduct themselves as true ladies and gentlemen.  Their exemplary conduct has been noted by all of the staff here.  You would be very proud of them, as am I.
 
I will report again soon.
 
Best wishes to all.
 
Colly Burgwyn

July 14, 2011

Greetings!

After arriving in England on Monday, the students and I have been enjoying our new surroundings and making new friends.  On Tuesday we had a wonderful trip to Winchester which featured the cathedral and the old castle and town.  We managed a personalized, guided tour of the cathedral crypt.  This was a special treat as very few people get this opportunity.  Nothing like a bit of "southern charm" to open a few doors!!

Yesterday we ventured into London for the first time, visiting the National Observatory, walking through Greenwich, taking a spectacular river cruise through London up the Thames and riding the London Eye.  The kids were overwhelmed by all of the fabulous sights of London. 

Today, the kids are learning to play cricket, squash, fives and soccer.  They have been organized into teams which rotate through the various activities throughout the day.

All of the Trinity kids are enjoying the experience of being in England and participating in all that the ISCA program has to offer.  As expected, they have distinguished themselves already with their fine manners and exceptional behavior.  I am very proud of them and truly enjoying every minute I spend with them.  They all seem happy, healthy and glad to be here.  Additionally, they are actively meeting new people and making friends. 

Tomorrow we are off to Portsmouth to experience the restored ship HMS Victory and then its on to Arundel Castle.

Please visit the ISCA website and checkout the great photo of the Trinity group on the blogs for Tuesday's trip to Winchester.

I will try to update you often as we continue our England adventure.

Best wishes to all.

Colly Burgwyn