‘Perfetto’ Performing Arts Trip For Stockport Academy Students

Chris Prince / 17 July 2018 / Categories: News, Enrichment

Our Performing Arts students and staff had a ‘fantastico’ time after spending several days in Italy as part of an end of term residential.

The group, which was made up of Year 9, 10 and 11 students who have demonstrated their dedication to the Expressive Performing Arts (EPA) department this year, visited Lake Garda and the surrounding area to hone their skills and learn more about the region.

They arrived on Tuesday via coach after travelling through Belgium and Luxembourg on their way to Italy. After checking in, the group enjoyed a traditional pasta lunch before visiting the town of Lazise on the coast of Lake Garda, where they enjoyed a spot of shopping and ice cream. Staff then set them the task of engaging with the locals, with all students rising to the challenge of breaking out of their comfort zone!

On Wednesday, everyone took part in EPA workshops, which focused on either Commercial and Contemporary Dance, Comedy Drama or Rock Music. The afternoon comprised of a visit to Verona, where students saw Juliet’s balcony and ate at a pizzeria. In the evening, they watched England play in the World Cup on a big screen that had been setup just for them so they could cheer on their team in the semi-final.

Thursday saw the group take a trip to Venice, which involved crossing over the world-famous Rialto Bridge, going on a water taxi and of course a ride on a gondola! In the evening, everyone took part in a quiz that Mr Hinton had kindly put together and enjoyed a night of fancy dress, with each member of the group bringing their own costume along with them for some final night fun.

Unfortunately, the trip came to an end on Friday, but not before a dip in a local swimming pool in the morning and another EPA workshop with students sharing their performances with each other at the end. While the coach trip back was a long one, the driver took them along the Swiss Alps, which provided some breath-taking scenery as they bid farewell to what had been an amazing week.

Head of EPA Mrs Campbell said: “We had the absolute best time and it was such a pleasure to take this group of students, who were incredible throughout. We all had so much fun and I would like to thank the staff who spent time away from their families to make this trip the most perfect experience.

“The week has really summarised what we consider to be an ‘Education With Character’ that we strive to offer our students at Stockport Academy and has left everyone with memories they will hopefully keep with them for the rest of their lives.”