As part of our exciting student exhange programme, in the October half term break our Upper Sixth Form headed over to the USA for a jam packed 2 weeks of learning, laughter and making memories to last a lifetime!
In June this year, Tranby hosted six students from Germantown Academy in Philadelphia, USA, as part of an exchange. During their visit they were taken to York, London and Edinburgh where they learned about British life and culture.
In the October half term break it was time for our Sixth Formers to head over to the USA for their exchange visit. Safe to say everyone was very excited for the trip! Though as these things often go, it didn’t all get off to the smoothest start!
After a two-day flight delay courtesy of Storm Ashley, we chased the sunset down the Canadian East Coast to Philadelphia. Pulling up to Germantown Academy, we were warmly greeted by our hosts who were waving a Union Jack. After hugs and pizza, it was time to head home for a bit of sleep before an early departure the following morning.
Day 1.
A 06:30 departure to New York was made sweeter with Miss Fraser’s homemade cinnamon rolls! We visited the World Trade Centre memorial and the new WT1 building with its incredible views over the city. Then it was on to the iconic Broadway to watch musical - The Outsiders - a ubiquitous part of American middle schoolers’ education. After this we headed to the famous Katz’s deli for lunch before some free time to be explore the buzz of Times Square.
Day 2
Our pupils experienced day in the life of a Germantown Academy student, following their hosts from lesson to lesson, exploring a range of subjects and joining in on dynamic sports activities. The day was made even more memorable with an 18th birthday celebration for Ruby! The students enjoyed marking this special milestone with their new friends and vitally, some truly delicious donuts!
Day 3
Philadelphia. We left our hosts in school and went to see the incredible collection at the Barnes Foundation - a renowned cultural and educational institution that houses one of the world's greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings. This was followed by ‘Philly’s best pizza’ (it truly was!), and a (not so) quick run up the Rocky steps!
Afterwards we headed to Episcopal Academy to support our hosts and friends competing in water polo, soccer and American Football. It’s fair to say that Tranby pupils really got into the spirit of it and introduced our American friends to some new and exciting supporter chants!
After a weekend of downtime with our lovely host families, Monday saw us on the move again, catching the Amtrak to Washington DC arriving at the beautiful Union Station.
Here we visited the zoo, and the Museum of African-American Culture and History. From there we walked to the Vue Bar which gave us panoramic views over DC. We then enjoyed a fantastic twilight monument tour with Mr Larry, taking in:
- The Washington Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- Wall of Remembrance
- Vietnam Memorial
- Arlington Cemetery
- Lincoln Memorial
- Martin Luther King Memorial
- Ice-creams in Georgetown
- The Capitol building; and finally
- The White House, although unfortunately it was behind hoardings getting ready for January’s inauguration!
It was then time for some (much needed and deserved) shuteye at our Airbnb and then back on the train to Philly first thing next morning for our last day in school. The trip had gone so fast!
Day 8
After saying goodbye to our friends at GA, we headed back to Philadelphia to explore its historic heart. We visited Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and admired the Liberty Bell, crack and all. Then, we wandered through the Magic Gardens, a vibrant mosaic wonderland, before enjoying a delicious lunch at Reading Terminal Market. Our day continued with a walking tour showcasing 15 of the city’s 4,500 stunning murals. To wrap up the adventure, we savoured an authentic Philly cheesesteak at a lively sports bar before heading to the airport.
We were all extremely tired by this point and, although sad to be leaving our friends, looking forward to coming home to our families for a brief respite before coming back to school.
Everyone had a fantastic time and has made friends for life, with many of the students already planning to visit again this summer. Perceptions have been challenged and horizons have been broadened immeasurably.