Welcome to our visitors from sunny SA.

Thursday April 27th 

A teacher from Kingswood College Grahamstown comes up to Westwood to visit us and to see her former junior school pupils.

 Mrs Debbie Kent is a grade 3 teacher and currently on vacation in Bath with her family.

 From the left Henry, Alexander, Xande, Eleanor, Meghan, Anisha and Morgan.

Alexander, James, Eleanor and Anisha will be flying out to school in Grahamstown on July 10th.

Debbie's daughter Shelley and her boyfriend David both went to Kingswood College and now live in Bath.  David currently plays for the local rugby team.

Wonderful sunshine in Bath

We have welcomed five new pupils this week. Arthur from France and Henry, Megan, Mrgan and Xandé on the annual exchange from Kingswood College, Grahamstown. (http://www.kingswoodcollege.com/index.php?pid=2) All five pupils have settled in really well. This exchange has existed since 1994 and Mr Hollywell collected these four guests bright and early on Tuesday from London Heathrow. Three of them were involved in school sport yesterday. Many Westwood boarders enjoyed playing table tennis and tennis casually all weekend. The Magnolia outside Westwood was stunning over the holidays and is just passed its best, but it still makes for a lovely photo.

We headed to the cinema, via the impressive Royal Crescent (see photo) this afternoon to watch the popular animation film Boss Baby, which was most amusing. Tonight a good number of pupils, having completed prep, headed to the school swimming pool. The boarders will sleep well tonight.  Good night from Bath!

And that's a wrap

Our final trip was a cruise around the Statue of Liberty and a circum navigation of the subway system. All have had a great time and are looking forward to some much needed rest. I'd like to thank all of the pupils for their excellent company throughout the trip. As for now, we're off to JFK.

Top of The Rock

Unfortunately it was quite foggy this morning. We added our 50c and twisted the knob the clear but sadly it seems to be faulty!

Stardust and Anastasia

We are about to embark on our final day in NYC. Today we are going to the top of the rock and crossing the Hudson to see the Statue of Liberty.

Yesterday all had an amazing day looking around the TV studios. We were all surprised with how small the sets were, especially the size of the area where The Roots play. Pupils even had the opportunity to make their own short show which is viewable on Vimeo, all who took part have been emailed a link. Sadly we weren't allowed to take photos whilst on the tour.

Last night we had an 'experience' at Ellen's Stardust Diner with singing waiting staff who were very enthusiastic with the microphone. Pupils really got into the spirit of things and enjoyed clapping along and cheering.

We then saw Anastasia which was extremely enjoyable with some full musical scoring and amazing use of giant screens to give depth to the set.

Walking, One World Trade Centre and Rain

Last night we had an extremely moving visit to One World Trade Center. The site is strange in terms of the general atmosphere. In a city famed for its vibrancy the fountain provides a site for quiet and reflection. Most were taken by the size of the site and the realisation of just how major the atrocities of 9/11 were.

Following the visit we had tea in Little Italy before heading back for some rest. I'm assured by Mrs Nash that we covered nearly 18miles in total on foot, quite impressive!!

Today is the first day that we have had poor weather but fortunately all of today's activities are fairly close together. We are eating in Stardust Diner and also seeing a preview of Anastasia. Pupils are currently enjoying a workshop in stage combat.

Times Square and Kinky Boots

Broadway Theatre Workshop

The Empire State Building

Fantastic views from the top of the Empire State Building, although it was quite blowy!

We made it!

After a couple of delays we have finally made it! All are enjoying an American supper and looking forward to going up the Empire State.

On our way to the departure gate

The flight is on time and we are shortly heading to the plane.

The wait is nearly over!

This time tomorrow we will all be in the air on our way to NYC. Remember to check the blog for regular updates throughout the trip. Don't forget your passports and dollars.

Two months to go!

With a little over two months to go we are all getting very excited. This blog will be regularly updated throughout the trip so check back soon to see how we get on!