Year 8 Take Paris by storm!

From 30th June to 4th July, 47 excited Year 8 students and five members of staff embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the heart of France. The Year 8 Paris Trip was packed with iconic sights, incredible experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

After travelling by ferry, we hit the ground running - quite literally - in 42°C heat! Our first day of exploring included a scenic cruise down the River Seine and visiting famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. With the heat soaring, our coach became a well-needed base for water top-ups, sun cream reapplications and air-conditioned pit stops. The students showed amazing resilience and spirit throughout—never letting the heat stop them from embracing every moment.

Day two saw us dive into the world of sport and music with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Stade de France. Students stood in the locker rooms, walked the players’ tunnel and stood pitch-side like the pros. They also learned about the stadium’s star-studded history, with artists like Beyoncé, Linkin Park and Imagine Dragons having graced its stage. Afterwards, we stopped for food and shopping before tackling the climb up Montmartre to see the stunning Sacré-Cœur - a feat rewarded with well-earned gelato! That evening, we headed to the Montparnasse Tower, where some students conquered their fear of heights and elevators to witness breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris from the rooftop terrace. A truly proud moment.

The next day brought a shift in pace as we spent the day at Disneyland Paris. Students enjoyed the rides, the food and the magical atmosphere. Highlights included braving the Tower of Terror and Big Thunder Mountain and ending the day with the spectacular fireworks and light show. For one night, we all truly believed dreams do come true!

Before our journey home, we stopped off at Chocolaterie Lachelle, where students got a fascinating insight into how chocolate is made - from bean to bar. Tasting samples at each stage was a definite highlight, even if not all the chocolate made it back home to families!

Our journey home took an unexpected twist with the Port of Calais closed due to strikes, but we adapted quickly, rerouting via Dunkirk. This gave us a surprise opportunity to see its historic beaches, adding yet another layer to our rich itinerary.

By the time we returned, our students were exhausted but buzzing with memories, new friendships and the confidence that comes from stepping out of their comfort zones. They represented St Katherine’s brilliantly throughout—curious, respectful and full of energy.

A huge thank you to the brilliant staff team who made this trip possible: Miss Howells, Mr Bradshaw, Mrs Holmes and Mr Darlison. It was truly a trip to remember—and Year 8, you did us proud.

Miss Robinson, Head of Yousafzai House and Teacher of Languages