05 Jun
On 22nd May our Year 7 Access Group had their first school trip. The plan was that we would visit Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Library of Birmingham. In the end we saw and gained much more from the trip than we could ever hope for.
After a pleasant and short train trip to Snow Hill Station, we headed to Cathedral Square where we spontaneously made a change in the plan and decided to visit St Philip’s Cathedral. We may have been guided by the Holy Spirit as it turned out to be a good decision! Inside the Cathedral, without any booking or arrangement in advance, we were offered a guided tour by a colleague of the Dean of the Cathedral. Our students learnt about the meaning of the name Cathedral and about the symbols and vestments of archbishops. A few lucky ones could even try the seat of the archbishop! We returned the kindness with a small donation to the Cathedral.
Afterwards we made our way to Birmingham Museum. To our students the biggest hit was the “Birmingham: its people, its history” exhibition, where they could have a direct “hands-on” experience thanks to the interactive features. The Ancient Egypt Gallery, particularly with its mummies, also fascinated the group.
The Library of Birmingham offered a great view over the city from its roof garden.
After another long march (we took 12,000 steps during the day!) we were back to Cathedral Square. There we had our well-deserved lunch, which was followed by play on the grass.
There was one more thing to do before we left for school again. The order “Ice cream from everyone!” was appreciated by both students and staff. After another short and smooth train journey we arrived back to Holy Trinity.
This was the first time for many of our Access students to feel the buzz of the city centre, to visit a real cathedral or to experience some of Birmingham’s cultural highlights. A big well done to all of our Access Group students and thanks to Miss Mason and Mrs Smith for looking after them during the trip. We thank Miss Ross for organising the trip and taking excellent photos on this great day.
Mr Jambor
