New York Media Trip

Imagine a group of about thirty Sixth Formers, (terrible I know). Imagine taking them on a school trip, (that’s even worse). Imagine taking this rowdy bunch on a seven hour plane journey, to a country with one of the strictest law and order systems in the world, (you’d be insane!). Although this seems a nightmarish task, needing a crack team of organisers and security, just 4 brave Media teachers attempted this feat on April 19th. It was the first ever Hayes School Media trip to New York and you know what? It went well!

After everyone had been herded through check-in, security, boarding, the flight itself, immigration and baggage claim, therewas only an hour long coach journey through Queens between the travellers and their hostel. This allowed us to take in the suburban burrow of New York and the eight mile cemetery which ran through it, but gave us a view of the magnificent Manhattan skyline. There was many a craned neck and photo taken of the new, busy, vibrant setting.

After everyone was settled in and a mass room change by the boys, (much to Miss Mayer’s disapproval), the group had no time to rest as we began our trip round Central Park discovering perfect photo opportunities, including a group of friendly, stone hippos. We made it back through the wind and the rain to the hostel for a good night’s sleep.

The second day started by getting the subway to the museum of moving image, (yes there was education involved in this trip), then to the Top of the Rock, seventy stories high! Here you could really take in the landscape and the sheer immensity that is New York. After that it was the informative NBC tour followed by Times Square. Truly the heart of the city, where you were met bymany a “I’m walking here” and “Anyone got a quarter?” A million neon lights and advertisements stretched as far as the eye could see, only in America.

On the third day we rode the Lady Liberty to Liberty Island and there she stood in all her glory: the Statue of Liberty. We got some 'once in a lifetime' snaps and headed out, back to Times Square, paying our respects to Ground Zero, putting in a spot of shopping and then off to Soho.

The final day we partook of some more media activities including virtual dancing at the Sony Centre and an advertising workshop. As the plane headed for home, thirty contented students turned in for a sleep whilst four Media teachers breathed a sigh of relief, but they were kept awake by the thought of the Year 12 students wanting a repeat trip next year.

A special thanks to Miss Mayer, Miss Rowland, Mr Alden-Jones and Mr Krywko without whom none of this would have been possible.

By Ben Clements, Year 13