Our sixth form and main school students recently embarked on an enriching journey to Paris, where education met excitement in a truly remarkable experience. Divided into two groups, students explored distinct facets of learning and discovery, leaving an indelible mark on their academic and personal growth.
In one group, students delved into the dynamic world of business, leadership, and management at Disneyland Paris. Alongside esteemed figures like Kate Hardcastle MBE, a highly respected and successful businesswoman known for her award-winning ventures and insightful commentary on major media platforms, they gained invaluable insights into real-world applications of their coursework. Kate's expertise, garnered from over 20 years of founding business transformation organisation Insight with Passion, proved invaluable as students learned about forging successful partnerships and navigating commercial ventures.
Accompanying Kate was Louis Barnett, an inspirational entrepreneur who began his business journey at his parents' kitchen table. Despite leaving formal education at a young age due to various neurological diversities, Louis has since become a global advocate for unlocking potential through his 'chocolate box methodology'. His expertise in consumer psychology, branding, marketing, and sales provided students with invaluable lessons on scaling businesses sustainably and realising their own untapped potential.
Zakia Moulaoui, who has been instrumental in raising awareness about social justice through her work with organisations like Social Bite and the Social Enterprise Academy, helped students gain a deeper understanding of the human stories behind large cities in the UK with her business venture Invisible Cities.
Lucas from Year 13 who is studying Business and Economics A-levels commented:
"The trip to Disneyland Paris was a once in a lifetime experience. It was a great balance between exploring all of the parks and what Disneyland has to offer as well as gaining valuable business and life advice from extremely successful entrepreneurs who each had various different roles to play in their respective fields. I would recommend this trip to anyone lucky enough to be offered a place."
Meanwhile, another group immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of French culture and history, traversing iconic landmarks such as the Champs-Elysées, Montmartre, and Montparnasse. Infused with opportunities to apply their French language skills in authentic settings, students embraced the vibrant atmosphere of Paris while uncovering the profound connections between language and culture.
Throughout the trip, students demonstrated remarkable growth, showcasing their ability to adapt, communicate, and thrive in diverse environments. From confidently ordering in French to analysing real-world business scenarios, they demonstrated our expectations of academic rigour and practical application.
As we reflect on this transformative experience, we look ahead with anticipation to the future. With plans already underway for the 2025 Paris Conference trip, we are excited to continue fostering growth, curiosity, and global awareness among our students. Join us on this incredible journey and unlock the boundless opportunities that await in the City of Lights!
"The trip to Paris was a really good experience that had a great mix of business insight as well as lots of time to gain the full Disney experience.”
Edward, Year 13 Business and Economics A-levels.