30 GCSE and A level Whitchurch students descended on Italy in the Easter holidays led by a brave contingent of R.E. teachers – Mrs Anthea Parker, Miss Claire Hollings and Mr James Hopkins. The 10 day tour included 3 nights in Lake Garda with a visit to Gardaland the biggest theme park in Europe.

At Verona our students visited the second largest amphitheatre in Italy and the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony where we were actually allowed to graffiti on the walls! (Only messages of love allowed!) Visitors were also invited to touch a bronze statue of ‘Shakespeares’ Juliet (which the boys were eagerly keen to do for reasons we are not able to give here!) James Kelly valiantly made his way up to Juliet’s balcony to wave a Welsh flag just to show that we had been there!

When in Rome we sampled local cuisine (lots of pasta!) and Mrs Parker bought everyone an Italian icecream at the Fontana de Trevi where many of the pupils threw a coin into the fountain and made a wish to return. At the coliseum some of our teachers posed with roman soldiers who looked rather menacing! The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican was a moving experience with everyone in awe of Michael Angelo’s amazing art work.

Another interesting visit was the multi media feature known as the “Time Elevator” which was a 3D virtual reality ride giving our students an insight into the history of Rome. One of the highlights however was definitely a visit to the Saint Castillos’ Catacombs which run for miles underneath the city and where we were given an interesting talk about the survival of Christianity in its earliest days.

We also visited the historic town of Tivoli with its outstanding gardens and fountains. Plenty of time for shopping was built into the schedule and Josh Thomas entertained us all with the bargains he managed to acquire everywhere! We also made it to the Olympic stadium for Josh to take a picture of Roma’s ground! (He nagged enough before we went!)

There is much debate as to who actually won the race to the top of the Spanish steps on one particular evening but Mrs. Parker is bringing her trainers rather than her boots for the re-run! So Stewart Tomkinson look out!

As we journeyed home via Florence and Lake Garda, everyone was exhausted but exhilarated by the sights we had seen. Awards were given out to our particularly

entertaining characters and this was truly a trip of a lifetime. Thanks to all R.E. staff involved in its organization. Next year it’s New York! R.E. at Whitchurch definitely gives our students real learning for life.