The 19 Year 12 students from Springwood High School spent an action-packed two weeks visiting Boston, New York, and Washington, where the focus was on mathematics and economics.

“We wanted a trip that was focused on subject-specific content,” explained Head of Year in Sixth Form, Luke Rawling, who accompanied the group, along with Maths Mentors Angela Cook and Lucy McEvoy.

“This trip contained lots of Maths and Economics elements, such as Wall Street, a World Bank visit, architecture, the Museum of Maths, as well as lots of history and politics elements.”

Staying first in Boston, the sixth formers took part in the city’s Freedom Trail and visited Clark University. They also enjoyed a trip to Harvard, where they were joined by Springwood alumnus Merissa Lawrence, who last year became one of only two students nationally from the state sector to win a coveted, fully-funded scholarship to the renowned Ivy League university.

In New York, the numerous highlights included a grand tour with the Institute of Architecture, and visits to the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Wall Street, and the Maths Museum, as well as a Broadway performance of The Lion King.

“One of my favourite experiences was the Grand Tour led by the National Institute of Architecture,” said group member Misela Rusina. “It was such an incredible opportunity to visit iconic sites and learn about their architectural significance.

“From towering skyscrapers to historical landmarks, I was in awe of the stunning architecture and the rich history behind each place we visited.”

Fellow student Viktorija Maculevica said, “My favourite part of the trip would be the trip to the top of the Empire State Building”, while classmate Livvy Toll said: “My favourite part was the tour of Wall Street, as I really have a passion for business and economics – it inspired me to realise I definitely want to pursue a career in that sector. I also really enjoyed Times Square, and Lion King on Broadway was amazing.”

The group’s final destination, Washington, saw them visit the Capitol Building and the White House, along with the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the World Bank, and the Smithsonian Museums. They also took a day trip to Annapolis and attended an ice hockey game, where they witnessed the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Washington Capitals 4-1.

“One of my favourite parts of the trip was watching the ice hockey game in Washington,” said Louie Latay, while Camillo Cervantes-Torres agreed: “My favourite bit of the trip was when we went to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play against the Washington Capitals.

“I never really understood the attraction of American sports, as I just thought they would’ve been slow and boring, but being a part of something bigger than yourself and immersing in the atmosphere of the Penguin and Caps fans is something I wish to experience again.”

It was the first time that Springwood had organised a trip to the USA.

“I was excited to go on the trip because it was an incredible opportunity,” added Charlotte Norman. “This trip really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I enjoyed every second.”