Eleven Year 9 pupils from Bath Community Academy are in Holland this week, paying a visit to Bath’s twin city of Alkmaar as part of the ‘Alkmaar 70” celebrations.
The trip has been organised by the school with support from the Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association (BATA) and Bath’s Charter Trustees – the 36 councillors elected from within the City boundaries.
During their visit, the pupils will be visiting Amsterdam, and cycling to school in Alkmaar each morning with the Dutch children in whose homes they are staying.
BATA Chairman, Martin Broadbent explained, “We were very keen during our special anniversary year to help children who might not have yet had the chance to travel abroad, or spend some time with people from a different country.
“The school has responded magnifcently to our offer, and staff have worked incredibly hard to make the trip happen. The children are excited at being able to see how things are done in other places – the school day, the food, even the modes of transport are different: no school uniform, for example!
“We’re really grateful to the Charter Trustees for helping us make this trip possible. We’re sure it will be an experience the young people never forget.”
Some of the children, with parents and staff, met Bath’s Mayor, Cllr Paul Crossley, last week for a formal send-off. He asked them to take his greetings to the Dutch families and the school in Alkmaar where they will be studying for the week.