At the start of the summer holidays, pupils from Year 9 to 13 ventured to Japan, for nine days and eight nights of a highly enriching cultural experience, as well as a visit to our partner school in Kyoto. The first trip of its kind!
Since October 2024, we have been in partnership with the Kyoto Seibo Gakuin High School in Kyoto, with pupils Years 9 to 13 taking part in regular virtual exchanges, letter writing and online sessions to explore culture, contemporary lifestyle and school life. The initiative focuses on intercultural dialogue, language practice and collaborative problem solving. After months of virtual collaboration, it was a privilege to finally connect in person, and it was a real privilege to connect in person and experience Japanese education first hand.
Our pupils spent a day fully immersed in school life in Kyoto, forging connections with pupils and gaining a unique insight into Japanese culture.
Beyond the classroom, Kyoto offered an array of unforgettable highlights. Pupils explored Fushimi Inari-taisha, the head shrine of the kami Inari, located at the base of the mountain in Fushimi-ku, they wandered through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and took part in a traditional kimono fitting session, a favourite memory for staff and pupils alike!
The itinerary offered a rich blend of tradition, modern culture, and cuisine. Pupils embraced everyday local life, enjoying everything from authentic teppanyaki and hands-on sushi making, to the excitement of Japanese vending machines and 7-Eleven runs for onigiri and boba tea. Dining was made even more memorable with service from robot waiters!
The adventures continued across some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. In Osaka, pupils explored Dotonbori, took in city views from the Umeda Sky Tower, navigated the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Shinsekai and the historic grounds of Osaka Castle, as well as enjoying whale shark and penguin encounters at Kaiyukan Aquarium!
A high-speed bullet train journey to Hiroshima provided an opportunity for historic reflection, while a visit to Nara brought ancient heritage to life at Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Nara Park, where pupils interacted with the famous free-roaming deer.
Immersive trips like this are an invaluable part of a girl’s education. Stepping outside the classroom to experience another culture first-hand builds confidence, curiosity and a genuinely global outlook, and this trip was a wonderful example of exactly that.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising this trip, the endless array of activities and its complex itinerary. We look forward to hearing more highlights from our girls when they return to school in September!
