Inspiratio – Sights and Insights of Literature Trip 2008

Group shot of the 30 lucky students in Changi Airport on 30th May

From 30 May to 8 June 2008, 30 Literature students were given an opportunity of a lifetime – to tour Britain, giving them the chance to see for themselves places steeped in history such as the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and also tour counties such as Rochester.

The rising sun taken from Millennium Bridge in London.

I was one of the lucky few who got to experience this unique journey and take away with me, many insights and memories. This trip helped to cement parallels with the Literature syllabus, served as a very fruitful learning journey for all 30 students and the scenic guided tours left huge impressions as well.

Our first port-of-call was Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. There, we had a guided tour that showed us the actual cottage that Shakespeare was born in, complete with the bedroom that he had as a child. In the area, we also came across a house, which was converted into an inn that claimed to be where the mother of John Harvard, founder of Harvard University, once resided in. What impressed me were the humble beginnings of Harvard and Shakespeare. It was that indication that a man is able to rise above humble beginnings, accomplish great things, and become renowned for his or her excellence in a particular field.

Group photo taken with our wonderful hosts from New Vic

Our journey to Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc), also somewhat opened my eyes. In Singapore, we are proud of the fact that we are a multi-racial society. Yet, in this simple school visitation, we had the chance to talk to people from many unique backgrounds. The students in NewVIc came from countries such as Somalia and Pakistan, and were fiercely proud of where they came from. In the short amount of time we interacted with the student ambassadors from NewVIc, we were given insights into their life inside and outside of their school. Also, as most students in the school were the ethnic minority, they were able to share with us some insights into how their race and the colour of their skin sometimes still influenced the impressions that others had of them.

Another note-worthy place was Warwick Castle, a place which has stood since the second century. Having been turned into a tourist destination steeped in medieval traditions, the castle was a place that provided a strong feeling of strength and stability. Yet, the feeling one got when one stepped into Canterbury Cathedral, was incomparable and somewhat indescribable. When interviewed, many of the students agreed that the cathedral had an aura that commanded solemnity and reverence, and that the opportunity to step into the grounds of the cathedral, was one that deserved to be cherished.

Canterbury Cathedral - an awe-inspiring experience

All in all, the chance to go on this trip provided one and all the chance to connect visual sights to the literary texts that has come to be part of our syllabus. Personally, I felt that the trip really did broaden my horizons, while also being a very educational experience for me. I felt that the trip did achieve and is worthy of its tagline of “Inspiratio”, as it did inspire and excite. It was an experience of a lifetime and I welcome many more future trips to come!

Article by Daniel Keng
Photos from Toh Kai Yang