We did it! My goodness, what a fantastic trip.

After yet another decent sleep (what is going on?!) we filled our boots with breakfast, then began the crazy process of packing up our rooms and getting ready to check out of the hostel. To their credit, year 4 managed this extremely well. Once we were all organised, we headed over the road to St Pauls… that great big fancy building which had been donging its bells all night.

In the crypt of the cathedral we were greeted by the brilliant Veronica, who was so great last year that we requested her again. As an ex-teacher, she truly knows how to captivate and engage a group of very tired young people at the end of a knackering trip! She taught us so much about the design of the place and why Sir Christopher Wren made such bold architectural decisions, and the controversy it caused with certain monarchs over the ages. We saw the famous geometric staircase which features in Paddington and Harry Potter. We laid on the floor and gazed up in wonderment as we learnt all about the sacred geometry of the building. We went into the roped-off area of the quire and the Bishop’s Cathedra, and learnt about the amazing decorated domes. Of course, we have a connection to St Pauls as it is made of Portland Stone!

Then it was time to begin the epic climb to the very top. This starts by going up to the whispering gallery, where you can hear a whisper from the other side. Another couple of hundred steps further and you reach the Stone Gallery, which is spacious and offers some great views. But if you press on to the very top you clamber up narrow spiral staircases to the Golden Gallery, and wow – what a view! you can see the whole of London. Although these kind of heights and climbs are not for everyone, we know that everyone had an amazing experience at the cathedral.

After this unforgettable visit, we collected our cases and walked along the river to Waterloo Station, arriving in plenty of time and settling in to the long journey home – overtired, hyped, but happy and content with a wealth of great memories.

At Southill we’re very proud of our trips and visits, especially the residentials. It truly is something unique to us. On a residential, children build memories which will last a lifetime and learn an incredible amount of curriculum-related knowledge. Beyond that they learn life skills of independence, resilience and organisation that put them streaks ahead for their age. They form new bonds and make very important connections with the staff; we see them in a whole new light and they always amaze us. On this trip, year 4 went above and beyond. As class teachers, myself and Matt were so incredibly proud of them. They’re fun, caring, clever, kind and attentive, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to Paul for giving up his time to do what he does best, and to Mrs Murray for being so dedicated, kind and caring for the whole trip. Thank you Mrs Sharpe, Mrs Howe and Mrs Wallis for all you did in the office, and Sue for helping us to get organised at school. Of course, thank you Caroline for the vision, building on your experience of previous trips and getting everything in place for us! It’s always a team effort.

Finally, thank you parents for trusting us with your children.