Year 9 Florida Trip

It was an exciting time for Year 9 this Easter as 40 students made the long journey from Orpington to Florida, Orlando.

After many hours of flying through the clouds, they touched down in Orlando International airport on the Monday evening. It was a bright and early start on the Tuesday, as the group woke to blue skies and Florida heat!

After a coach ride filled with sightings of alligators and other local wildlife, students arrived at the gates of Kennedy Space Centre.

The next two days were spent exploring the wonders of space, as students experienced what it feels like to be launched into space, visited the rocket launch sites used by NASA and Space X and had a chance to hear from real life astronaut Norm Thagard. 

On Thursday and Friday, the thrills continued as students arrived at Universal Studios. The group had two adrenaline filled days as they took on some of the world’s most daring rollercoasters, ranging from a Jurassic Park themed ride with two high speed accelerations, a daring flight on Hagrid’s motorbike, and even the chance to swing through the skies via a spider man themed simulator. 

On the final full day of the trip, what a day to end on! Students were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with manatees. Donning snorkels and wetsuits, students paddled into the manatees' habitat and gazed on as the manatees grazed on sea grass and swam by. Getting the chance to immerse themselves in the natural world so closely, really was an experience I am sure they will never forget.

The trip would not have been possible without the supervision of Ms Lawrence (trip leader), Ms Smith, Ms Chung-Faye, Mrs Johnson, and Mrs Rogers, who helped the Year 9s navigate unfamiliar terrain and learn key life skills in the process – thanks to all involved!