Last week, students from LEAH’s Buckingham Primary School class and their families enjoyed a memorable visit to Hampton Court Palace – a trip that blended culture, conversation, and community in the most heartwarming way.
Organised at short notice by coordinator Alice Podkolinski, the outing was initially a leap of faith.
“I’ll admit, because it was my first time, I was pretty nervous. I worried no one would turn up and that the language function of the excursion would be lost.”
But she needn’t have worried.
Despite a slow start and a few traffic delays, all five invited students – and volunteer tutor Audri – arrived just in time. With walking tours, travel envelopes, and tickets in hand, the group set off to explore the historic palace grounds together.
Alice explained that for many, the trip was about more than just history.
“The Buckingham class is small and quite independent. This trip was my first real opportunity to connect with them outside the classroom – and for them to get to know me. It became clear very quickly that the worksheets weren’t the only focus. The English flowed naturally, and the real learning came from simply spending time together.”
The social element was key. Conversations blossomed throughout the walk, and the group ended their visit with a coffee on the palace terrace.
Audri, one of LEAH’s dedicated tutors, said
“The recent visit to Hampton Court with the students from LEAH’s Buckingham Primary School and their families was great fun. I really enjoyed getting to know them on a one to one basis and we all learned a lot about the history of the palace. They told me they had a great time too.”
One student had requested an extra ticket for his wife, who had a hospital appointment that morning. Thanks to thoughtful planning, he was able to meet her afterwards and spend the rest of the day with her exploring the palace. He was extremely grateful for the opportunity.
The outing proved to be a powerful reminder that language learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through shared experiences, supportive conversations, and a few moments of laughter, this trip offered more than just a history lesson – it created memories and strengthened bonds within the LEAH community.
Audri has already volunteered for future trips, and the feedback from students and families has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s to more adventures that combine learning with living.