Cultural Expedition to Bath and Bristol

October saw the return of our much-anticipated cultural expedition, this time, to the cities of Bath and Bristol.

First stop on the boys’ action-packed itinerary was the Roman Baths.  This provided a fascinating insight into everyday life in Roman Britain, where boys enjoyed their own audio guide tour around the well-preserved complex.  After some time exploring the city in groups, our explorers were then treated to a brilliant tour of Bath Abbey, where the enthusiastic tour guides brought its history to life and explained the intricate details of the fan vaulted ceiling.

The following day began in Bristol, where tour guide, Sandrine,  showed the boys the highlights of the city and some street art, including a work of Banksy on their walking tour.  The boys were engaged by a visit to Bristol Cathedral, where they learned more about the stories of those involved in the sad history of slavery associated with figureheads associated with Bristol.  A change in activity and a chance for increased independence presented itself when the boys explored the indoor market of St Nicholas, located within the old city.  The evening was spent in a game of friendly competition in the form of bowling, with strikes aplenty, and a fair few ‘nearly had its’, the activity was enjoyed by all.

The final day began with a visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, where the boys toured the brilliantly interactive museum, learning more about his life, before exploring the ship itself, in the dry dock.  Cabins were recreated as they would have been in its prime, and boys relished the chance to learn more about its decks.  Following this, they ventured on to M Shed, on the beautiful dockside, where the boys learned more about the story of Bristol and its place in the world, including learning more about the plans for future sustainability.  The final stop of the action-packed cultural extravaganza was to ‘The Island’, housed in a former police station, where boys discovered more about how the graffiti scene developed, as well as creating their own tags and using stencils and spray paint to create their own striking designs.

The boys upheld the Davenies Code throughout, conducting themselves well and making the most of the opportunities with which they were presented.