An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
Take in the bright lights and skyscrapers of the Big Apple, before visiting America’s seat of political power with students from multiple subjects on this Cross-Curricular school trip to New York and Washington DC.
Trip Highlights
A cruise round the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Skyscraper views from the Top of the Rock
Guided tour of the Capitol
The vast collections of the Smithsonian Museums
Recommended excursions
Top of the Rock
With views to rival those of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller’s multi-floor observation deck is 70 floors high. A thrilling Plexiglass screen installation shows the construction workers hanging on the high beams, with a chance for you to ‘walk’ across one too, far above the city streets. Exhibits include the history and a model of the building.
Statue Cruises
Take the Statue Cruise from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, one of the world’s most iconic structures and a symbol of freedom and democracy. Continue to Ellis Island and be inspired by the history and stories of the immigrants entering America between 1892-1954. This hop-on, hop-off service allows you to explore at your leisure.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
When arriving in New York, a great way to appreciate the scale of the city and avoid crowds is to take a boat cruise. Students can see the famous skyline and get to know the layout of Manhattan with excellent photo opportunities. The Full Island Cruise takes in over 100 landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Yankee Stadium.
Empire State Building
Built at the peak of the skyscraper craze in 1931, the 1250ft Empire State Building is an Art Deco symbol of NYC. A ride in the express lift to the observatory floors gives students an unrivalled view of the city with outdoor decks and restored original interiors. A handheld device acts as an audio and visual companion with engaging videos, image galleries, quizzes and maps.
9/11 Memorial Museum
Documenting September 11, 2001, the museum examines the implications of the events and commemorates the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who died on 9/11 and in the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. Using multimedia displays, narratives, archives and artefacts, the museum presents powerful accounts of the monumental struggles faced by a nation and the legacy of that day.
National 9/11 Memorial
The memorial quadrant is a poignant reminder of the 9/11 devastation and an inspiring testimony by citizens to honour those who died. Twin reflecting pools and manmade waterfalls mark the spot where the Twin Towers stood, with the names of everyone lost inscribed into bronze panels around the outside.
One World Observatory, One World Trade Center
The One World Observatory is located within the One World Trade Center providing unmatched views stretching across Manhattan to New Jersey. Groups will be able to learn about the history of the Trade Center in New York, its history and construction. Free educational material is available for the following subjects: Economics, History, Science, Math and Value Diversity.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
This vast museum has over two million artworks spanning 5,000 years. It’s one of the most important collections in the world and a fantastic source of inspiration for students of all disciplines. A labyrinth of corridors holds paintings, textiles, ceramics and costume, chronologically reflects global regions in sky-lit spaces and architectural relics
Street Art Community Mural Tour (Graffiti Tour)
Mural graffiti is a fundamental element of community art in New York, expressing peace and conflict, cultural shift and reflecting zeitgeist. The tour visits a number of major murals in the Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Harlem districts, with knowledgeable guides to discuss the evolution of graffiti and elaborate on the storyboards and memorial walls.
Broadway Inbound Workshop
Students can take on a true Broadway experience. Enjoy a workshop led by Broadway stars located next to the audition studios of Matilda. Enter the world of theatre and discover the theory behind movement on stage.
Broadway Show
The Broadway Theatre District has all the buzz and glitz that you’d expect from America’s answer to the West End. Rounding off the day with dinner and a Broadway show is a typical New York past time and it’s an exciting way for student’s to feel part of the city’s twilight activity.
The Edge, Hudson Yards
Complement your visit to the Edge with REACH FOR THE SKY, a virtual STEM education Programme. Students take a behind-the-scenes look at amazing innovations of architecture and engineering and learn about the STEM, history, and social impact of this gravity-defying structure through digital resources and a Virtual Field Trip.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Sweet Educational Tour
Learn about Hershey’s iconic brands during this special educational visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World in Times Square.
Topics covered include: Why Hershey’s chose to have a retail location based in Times Square, stories about the iconic brands and how they have been marketed, how the iconic brands play a part in the layout of the store and how the legacy of Milton Hershey is honoured. Tastings included!
Guided Bagel Tours
Visit three of NYC’s best bagel shops savouring an assortment of bagels, spreads and sandwiches. Get behind-the-scenes access at one of NYC’s largest bagel shops for a peek into the bagel-making process and the secrets behind the dough. Discover the bagel’s unlikely journey from Polish peasant food to NYC superstar. Guests leave full of delicious bagels and a deeper appreciation for this food and city!
Bagel Making Class
Step into the shoes of a bagel artisan and learn the art of crafting authentic and mouth-watering New York-style bagels. Led by an award-winning baker, you’ll practice the tips and tricks to create perfect bagels, from rolling to boiling, seeding with toppings, and baking. You’ll also enjoy the delicious bagels you’ve made fresh out of the oven with a variety of spreads and toppings! Best of all, you’ll leave with a bag of your hand-crafted creations.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
This unique visitor attraction offers three levels of multi-sensory immersive experiences on the top of the fourth tallest building in Manhattan. Visitors will experience a blend of art installations and technology against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. Amazing photo opportunities during the day or at night!
Philadelphia
Make a stop at Philadelphia, en-route from New York and Washington DC. The city of Brotherly Love was the epicentre of American Democracy and is the first city in the US to be awarded World Heritage status. See the Liberty Bell; an extraordinary symbol of freedom through the inspirational inscription it carries, and take a guided tour around Independence Hall where the US Constitution was shaped.
Guided tour of the Capitol and Visitor Centre
Meeting place of The Senate and the House of Representatives, The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. Guided tours here begin with a short film and include stops at the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. The Exhibition Hall displays documents, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
Washington monuments
Visit some of the monuments that honour those who helped shape the US nation. The Washington Monument is a towering 555-feet high marble obelisk, The Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of freedom, the Martin Luther King Jnr Monument promotes love and tolerance, while monuments to the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War II commemorate those that died.
The National Archives
The National Archives holds original copies of the three main formative documents of the United States and its government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, plus a copy of the 1297 Magna Carta confirmed by Edward I.
Tip:All filming, photographing, and videotaping is prohibited, so don’t get out your camera phones.
Supreme Court and Library of Congress
Students can visit the courtroom, with its velvet drapes and marble pillars, where the nine court justices hear some of the 6,500 cases submitted to the Supreme Court each year. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with nearly 128 million items, including historically significant manuscripts on around 530 miles of bookshelves.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum and research complex – includes 19 museums and galleries and a zoo. It’s dubbed ‘the nation’s attic’ for its eclectic holdings of 137m items. Take a museum tour or book activities from elephant baths at the zoo to tarantula feedings at Natural History or scavenger hunts at American Art.
Arlington Cemetery
This military cemetery was established during the Civil War, and since then deceased veterans of America’s conflicts have been buried here, and their white headstones stretch out over 624 acres or rolling hills. A tour here can bring the military history of the United States to life. Don’t miss the elaborate Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Typical accommodation
West Side YMCA
Why groups like it:
- Steps away from the Lincoln Centre, Broadway & the American Museum of Natural History
- Close to Central Park
- Brilliant access to public transport
Facilities:
- Twin bedded bunk rooms; Shared facilities
- Large health facility including two indoor pools
- 24 hour security & free Wi-Fi in lobby
The New Yorker Wyndham Hotel
Why groups like it:
- Large iconic Art Deco style building
- Great location in Midtown West
- Just a few minutes from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden
Facilities
- All rooms with private facilities
- TV, hairdryer and flat-screen TV
- Breakfast and dinner can be arranged at a diner next door (on request)
Comfort Inn Downtown DC/Convention Center ★★★
Why groups like it:
- Centrally located and great value boutique style hotel
- Close to nearby major attractions including White House and Verizon Center
- Deluxe hot buffet breakfast included!
Facilities:
- Rooms with TV, hairdryer and fridge
- 24-hour reception
- Free Wi-Fi
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC – Downtown
Why groups like it:
- Historic DC landmarks and attractions are within walking distance
- Close to the National Mall, US Capitol, White House and Washington Monument
- Three nearby metro stops
Facilities:
- All rooms with private facilities
- Flat screen TV, mini refrigerator
- Hot Breakfast can be arranged
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to New York – about 7 hours.
2 Airport transfer to your accommodation
3 Arrive at accommodation – evening meal own arrangements
1 Breakfast
2 Guided walking tour of Midtown – Rockefeller Centre, Times Square, Grand Central Station, UN Building
3 Broadway show – evening meal own arrangements
1 Breakfast
2 9/11 Memorial
3 Ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
4 Brooklyn Bridge, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy
5 Visit the Empire State Building – evening meal own arrangements
1 Breakfast
2 Depart by coach to Washington DC, stopping at Philadelphia to see the Freedom Bell and Liberty Hall
3 Short orientation walk on the Mall before evening meal
4 Union Station – evening meal own arrangements
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Explore Capitol Hill, Capitol building and Visitor Centre, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, National Archive
3 See the outside of the White House and monuments of the Mall, including Lincoln, Vietnam, WWII, Korean, Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jnr
4 Evening meal own arrangements
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museum or Arlington Cemetery (flight time permitting)
3 Airport transfer
4 Overnight flight to the UK – about 7.5 hours
1 Arrive home
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom in another country – the culture, history, politics, geography, and the arts
- Gain a deeper understanding of American history and politics and the link to European history
- Develop an understanding of the USA’s economic and political role in the modern world
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Broaden the mind with the study of another culture
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Visit a foreign country and experience another culture
- Consider a range of issues around citizenship and history
- Understand more about art and architecture
- Gain a better understanding of the USA’s role in the modern world
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Gain personal organisation skills, co-operation skills and work with others in a variety of environments
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Very good service and personalisation of our trip
Kelvinside Academy
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