BISA in London!

Welcome to the exciting adventure of 33 BISA students who had the time of their lives during their Easter break in London!

They took the phrase "all the world's a stage" to heart as they immersed themselves in the theatrical world of London. From comedies to musicals, and even an extreme circus show, these kids were in for a wild ride. They even got to take backstage tours and see what goes on behind the scenes! 

But they didn't just limit themselves to the theatre scene, they also explored the diverse cultural offerings of London by visiting some of the city's most renowned museums and outdoor activity centres. They soaked in the local scene and got to see London from the perspective of its residents. And let's be honest, what's a trip to London without a little shopping and sightseeing? They definitely made the most of it!

And if that wasn't enough, the alumni event was the ultimate icing on the cake. Not only did they bond with their peers, but they also got to socialise with alumni teachers, parents, and students. The networking opportunities were endless! This event was the perfect way for them to connect with old friends and make new ones while reminiscing about their time in London.

These kids walked a whopping 12 -15 km daily, navigating through the busy streets, tubes, and buses of London. They've become experts in getting around London like pros! The fun didn't stop there because shortly after, the footballers joined in for a week-long boot camp. The kids gained valuable experience from professional training, and they now know one or two things they need to focus on to improve their game. Naheel was even awarded the most improved footballer in the camp! However, they also faced some challenges, playing in the cold and rainy weather was not their idea of fun.

All in all, this educational trip was an unforgettable mix of new experiences, adventure, culture, and socialising. These kids had the time of their lives, and their memories of London will be cherished for years to come!

Registration for the 2024 London trip opens this May! Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the next exciting adventure! Stay tuned for more details!

Noela Gichuru

More about the trip:

The aim of the trip was to offer students a chance to experience London's cultural and historical landmarks, as well as participate in various recreational and educational activities. We had an amazing experience, and this report summarizes the activities and experiences during the trip. Experiencing the London tube and rail system, which was sometimes crowded but highly efficient.

All the students showed exceptional behaviour, displaying a real sense of responsibility and leadership. We are all super proud of our student's conduct during the trip. Their positive attitude and eagerness to learn and explore new things were truly remarkable. It was evident that they took their role as ambassadors of our school very seriously. Not only did they exhibit excellent behaviour, but they also demonstrated excellent leadership skills, which are qualities that will undoubtedly benefit them in their future endeavours. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop into exceptional young adults.

Theatre Visits - We visited several theatres, including Stratford East Theatre Square, National Theatre, Hackney Central West End Theatre, and the Duchess Theatre. We watched amazing productions such as 'Gone Too Far,' 'A Night to Remember,' and 'The Play That Went Wrong.' We also participated in Punch Drunk's immersive theatre 'Burnt City' and watched 'Newsies' at Wembley Troubadour Theatre. Circus Extreme Shepherds Bush was another great experience.

Outdoor Activities - We engaged in several outdoor activities, including Stubbers Outdoor Adventure, Okendon Road, Upminster, and Thorpe Park, where they enjoyed thrilling rides and attractions. We also played the Break Out Escape Game at Kentish Town Road and the Immersive Game Box in Southbank, where they played Squid Game (15+) and Alien Aptitude (11+).

Museums and Art Galleries - Visited several museums and art galleries, including the Science Fiction exhibition at Wonderlab, the Tate Modern for modern art, and the London Dungeon. We also took a walk around the Olympic Park and Olympic circles and around the fitness or Art trail. Madame Tussauds London, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and the Sherlock Holmes statue were other places they visited. We enjoyed a picnic in Regents Park and visited Arsenal's Emirates stadium for a tour.

Shopping Experience - Westfield Centre and White City provided excellent shopping experiences for the group. We enjoyed shopping and exploring the shopping centres' various stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Football Training Camp Showcase - The boys spent five days at Ardingly College, where they participated in a football training camp showcase. The camp provided students with an opportunity to showcase their football skills in an elite youth football camp environment. They later also watched a Chelsea vs. Brighton game at the Stamford Bridge stadium.

Alumni Event - We had an Alumni event, which involved connecting with former students, families, and staff. The event included icebreaker activities, quizzes, films, food, and music. We all enjoyed the opportunity to connect with former members of the school community and make new friends.

Overall, the London trip was a resounding success, and the students had an amazing experience. We participated in various recreational, cultural, and educational activities, which provided them with a holistic learning experience. The trip was well organised, and all had an enjoyable and memorable time in London.

Mike Magambo

And some highlights from a student:

The UK trip was truly an unforgettable experience, despite the cold weather, we were able to enjoy a fantastic football camp, which was exceptionally organised and professional. The coaches were knowledgeable, and we were able to learn a lot about the sport.

In addition to the football camp, the trip also included some exciting activities such as the Escape Room, which was challenging yet fun, and watching the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge Stadium, which was an unforgettable experience and a trip to the Camden market which provided a great opportunity for us to explore a different culture.

Deedat Omar