Aquae Sulis trips
Trips to Bath are well underway with seven schools and over 180 students having visited the ancient Baths of Sulis Miverva so far this term (Autumn term 2023), and many more soon to go! Schools have travelled from across the country, from as far as Scunthorpe, Liverpool and Darlington– we are very grateful for the work teachers have put in to arrange transport to make this a possibility.
“Students bathed in Roman culture and experienced a 2,000-year-old daily routine. What an incredible opportunity!”
The students have greatly enjoyed touring the Roman Baths and museum. The highlight for many was the teaching session ‘Understanding Aquae Sulis’, offering students the opportunity to translate some genuine Latin inscriptions found on the tombstones and altars of Aquae Sulis. Students were also able to handle real Roman artifacts, learning more about life in Roman Britain. While these activities proved incredibly popular, the taste of the spring water elicited a more negative reaction!
“I thought the session we had at the Roman Baths learning about how to translate Latin inscriptions was really interesting. However, I do not recommend trying the purified water from the hot spring; it’s super disgusting”
Polam Pupils with Mary Beard at her talk in Bath
As they were travelling all the way from Darlington, Polam Hall extended their trip, led by Rosalind Stuart, into a residential, staying at the YHA (Youth Hostel Association) in Bath. As well as visiting the Baths, they toured Bath Abbey and conducted a walking tour of the city.
Perhaps most excitingly, the dates of their trip coincided with Dame Professor Mary Beard’s talk about her new book, ‘Emperor of Rome’, at the Bath Pavilion. Some of the students had the opportunity to attend this talk and, as Mary Beard is a supporter of the Latin Excellence Programme, she was kind enough to meet the students beforehand, signing their books and asking them about their Latin studies.
Year 7 students Amelia-Grace, Aida, Elizabeth and Lydia said the following about meeting Mary:
‘She’s funny, smart, fascinating, incredible, intelligent and relatable’.
We have been delighted to be able to help make these trips possible by funding the admission to and teaching sessions at the Baths for all interested schools.
We hope the schools who have trips booked in this term are looking forward to them.
Some photos from Polam Hall School’s and Outwood Academy Foxhills' trips below:
