A group of British Section students from 2GCSE, PAL & TAL studying either Italian as an additional language or history as an A-Level subject, or both, went on a school trip to Rome just before half-term.

Accompanying teachers, Mrs Ialenti and Mrs Crookston, did their best to make sure pupils would benefit every day from learning history related to their WWII curriculum, as well as improving their knowledge of the Italian language.

A school trip to Rome for students studying Italian and/or history, particularly fascism in Italy, can provide valuable educational experiences.
Firstly, Rome is a historic city with numerous landmarks linked to Italy’s fascist era, including Mussolini’s former residence and the fascist Party’s headquarters. Visiting these sites allows students to witness the physical remnants of this period and deepen their understanding. Additionally, Rome offers access to archives, libraries and museums with extensive resources on Italian fascism, engaging students in primary research and enhancing their knowledge of this crucial historical chapter. The topic of Italian fascism has to be approached with sensitivity making sure that students are guided through thoughtful discussions that foster historical understanding and critical thinking skills.

October 16th marks the commemoration of the Italian Jewish deportation from the ghetto in Rome to Concentration camps. This year was the 80th anniversary and the date gave context for the timing of this historical and linguistic school trip.

The group also visited the Ardeatine Caves and mausoleum where the Ardeatine massacre took place with German occupation troops killing 335 civilians and political prisoners on 24th March 1944. Their historical tour of fascism landmarks included the EUR district designed during Mussolini's dictatorship. The area was meant to welcome the planned 1942 Universal Exhibition, in Italian Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR / "Universal Exhibition Rome"), which was cancelled due to World War II. The neo-classicist buildings now host the offices and headquarters of corporations and government as well as international organisations.

Students could also admire a few hidden places dating back to ancient Rome thanks to the guidance of expert Paolo Ruzzi, a lecturer often leading talks for Lycée pupils, who took us through the Teatro Massimo opera house leading to the Synagogue and the former ghetto area. This gave opportunities to all of us to debate and reflect on the atrocities that war can cause.

The group could not miss out on the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, the Colosseum, or the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon illustrating the fascinating mythology of ancient Rome or the splendour of the Renaissance era.

The students also loved the food and enjoyed the sunny weather!

Article written by Mrs Ialenti, Italian teacher

What pupils say:

• "Hello Professoressa Ialenti, thank you once again for organising such a lovely trip, I had so much fun!" Nathaniel W. (PAL)

What teachers say:

• "The whole group was really delightful to travel with and so well-behaved. Thank you all for your support and again, grazie mille per questo viaggio scolastico stupendo!" Mrs Crookston [English teacher accompanying the trip organised by Mrs Ialenti, Italian teacher and Dr Carsson, History teacher]

What parents say:

• "Giulia and Maja fell in love with Roma thanks to you and I will always be grateful. They showed me the pics and I can tell that you and Mrs Crookston did a really good job. Thank you so very much. Girls brought back so much enthusiasm and happiness from this trip. Grazie mille; avete creato delle bellissime memorie. Buon meritato riposo." Mr B., father of Giulia B. (PAL) & Maja B. (2GCSE)
• "Thank you so much for a fantastic and memorable trip!!" Mr S., father of Karim S. (PAL)
• "I wanted to say a massive thank you for organising this week’s trip to Rome. I know it’s really hard work to organise these things, but it’s clear from the feedback and all the smiling faces in the photos that the kids had a wonderful time. It’s been a great opportunity for them, particularly given that this generation has probably missed out on quite a few school trips due to Covid. Tristan told me that he really loves Rome, and it’s rare for him (and I guess most teenage boys!) to be so effusive about something, it seems that he got a lot out of it. I hope you both have some time to relax over next two weeks, Kind regards. Mr F., father of Tristan F. (TAL)
• "Many thanks for organising this amazing trip. Florian was tired this morning but with a big smile! [Mrs Crookston] many thanks for joining them. Wishing everyone a great half term." Mrs N. mother of Florian D.K. (TAL)
• "Grazie. Thank you for organising such a great trip! I would not have coped with 18 teenagers for 4 days. You are the best! Great memories they will have thanks to you both. Tons of positive feedback from Alexia. E se pure le suore sono rimaste contente, cos'altro possiamo aggiungere!?" Mr R. father of Alexia R. (TAL) [Editor's note - students were accommodated at a convent. The nuns (in Italian "Suore") were impressed with their outstanding behaviour].