The inaugural Maths & Science Trip to Orlando blasted off during the October holiday week.
Our itinerary was action packed. We visited the Kennedy Space Center and pupils took part in NASA’s Astronaut Training Programme which involved being thrown upside down and feeling G-Force, building a rocket, and taking part in a mission simulation.
We then spent two days at Universal – enjoying some of the world’s best rollercoaster and 4D rides. Hogwarts School looked impressive and the Harry Potter ride was quite incredible, however The Hulk ride still seems to be the champ!
Our first Disney workshop was on Animation and together we learned how to draw the genie from Aladdin! The day was rounded off by a special appearance by Mickey Mouse and a show based on Fantasia. Somewhere in the region of 10,000 people filled the stadium. Our very own Declan McGill was selected to speak to the crowd!
We then went to Sea World, where we all got soaked thanks to Shamu and friends. The pupils enjoyed playing with dolphins, stingrays and mantas as well as the Kraken ride.
Our last full day involved learning about Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and seeing them in action in the Magic Kingdom’s rollercoasters. We also had an opportunity for some retail therapy as the girls went and bought straighteners, the boys bought Beats headphones en masse.
Many times people commented on how polite and well behaved our pupils were. This included hotel guests, Disney staff, and the people at the Astronaut Training.
The trip was hugely enjoyable, educational and yes, it was fun. A big thank you to Mrs Cassidy. Ms Graham and Mr Currie who gave up their own October week to make this trip a reality. It was well over 2 years in the making, but I think it was well worth it. A trip of a lifetime indeed. Though I think it was so successful we will have to go again to satisfy demand!
Mr M McGowan with additional reporting by Greg Vickers, Lisa Stewart & Fiona Niven
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