Trips & Exchanges
Introduction
HAEC is very proud to offer an extensive and unrivalled Trips and Exchanges Programme.
We believe that, aside from the unarguable linguistic advantages gained from such a programme, students’ independence, breadth and maturity is enhanced , helping them to perform better in all spheres of their education.
Every effort is made to ensure that the programme is accessible to all students, although every individual trip or exchange has a limit on numbers.
We are very fortunate to be able to rely on an active partnership between staff, students and parents built up over time which has resulted in a culture of enhanced International understanding and hospitality. Without the goodwill embedded in this partnership the programme would not be possible. It is constantly under review with the aim of offering contemporary and linguistically challenging experiences to our students.
Trips & Exchanges 2011-12
To view a calendar of the trips and exchanges for 2011-12 please click here.
Italian Exchange 2010
On the 16th of October 2010, 13 Italian students from years 10 to 12 went to Maniago, a small town in the north-east of Italy for a week on an exchange with our partner school. There are only two words that I could possibly use to describe this exchange "molte bene!". With trips to the beautiful city of Venice, and many other local towns, frequent trips to the fantastic "gelaterias" of Italy and of course experiencing the brilliant way of Italian life made this exchange an absolutely fantastic experience that I will always remember. The culture of Italy, combined with the food, language and Italian people were truly unforgettable. I would like to thank Mr Michell, Mrs Smith and Mr Geissler for arranging and taking us on such a superb exchange.
Olivia Pettengell
10Pascal
Hockerill trip to Tokyo, October 2010
This October a group of 20 Year 11 and Year 13 students took part in the 8th annual study visit to our partner school in Tokyo. Keio Chutobu Junior High School is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions and was founded with international education as one of its core principles. Throughout our 8 year relationship, staff and students at the school have always gone out of their way to make our students feel welcome, and this year was no exception. Everyone spent a week experiencing Japanese family life to the full and commuting to school on Tokyo’s labyrinthine public transport network. School days were spent attending both normal and specially arranged lessons and everyone was given the opportunity to try out typically Japanese pursuits such as judo and calligraphy. Our visit also coincided with Sports Day and Mr Vernon would have been justifiably proud of our students’ contributions in events as bizarre as the three-legged race and synchronised skipping. Another highlight of the trip was a specially organised tour of the Japanese parliament and a private audience with the ex-Prime Minister, who was suitably (and diplomatically) impressed by everyone’s level of Japanese. At the end of the week we ventured into the mountains for a look at another side of Japan – a world of ancient temples, hot springs and stunning autumnal colours – which was just what everyone needed after such a frenetic week in the world’s largest city. I greatly enjoyed the company of everyone in the group and not once did I hear a single moan or groan, which is quite something considering the demanding nature – both linguistically and culturally – of the trip. My sincere thanks also go to Miss Von Mering, whose contribution to the success of the trip was immeasurable.
Mr E Gdula
