Study Visit to London

Between March 22nd and 26th and March 27th and 30th, two groups of 8th and 9th grade students from all primary schools in the Montemor-o-Velho School Group went on a study trip to the capital of the United Kingdom.

The aim of this visit was to provide students with new experiences, promoting knowledge of social and cultural realities different from their own, contributing not only to the consolidation of learning in the specific area of the English language – practicing oral communication in real contexts – but also to the construction of their own identity as global citizens in relation to others, based on attitudes and values such as respect for others, responsibility and cooperation.

Students and teachers had the opportunity to experience aspects of daily British life firsthand and explore iconic locations in London, a capital city where past, present, history, and tradition blend in a captivating way. For many, it was also their first flight and even their debut on the famous subway known as The Tube.

The students had the opportunity to visit museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the British Museum, Madame Tussaud's, the Tate Modern art gallery, monuments such as the Houses of Parliament with its Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and appreciate the various memorials scattered throughout the city, including Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square or St. Paul's Cathedral. The royal parks were not forgotten either – Green Park, St. James's Park, and Regent's Park delighted them with their springtime beauty. The eclectic Camden Town neighborhood and the Covent Garden city market, as well as the Piccadilly Circus area, charmed the students with shops such as the Hard Rock Café and the Lego Store. and M&Ms store.

The ride on the London Eye was one of the most anticipated moments of the visit. The students experienced 360º panoramic views of the city from the iconic London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in Europe, standing one hundred and thirty-five meters high. Inaugurated at the turn of the year 1999 to 2000 to mark the new millennium, the Millennium Wheel, also known as the Millennium Wheel, offered an impressive panoramic view of the city.

Enthusiasm overcame fatigue and long, sometimes arduous, walks. It was, without a doubt, an unforgettable trip for everyone, not only for the learning experiences but also for the camaraderie. The study visit has ended, but London now holds a special place in each of us!

In conclusion, let us recall Samuel Johnson, who, in 1777, responded to his friend and biographer.  

“Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London.

No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.“