Lower First Form Residential trip to Lake Garda

In the first week of September 2024, the new cohort of Lower First Form students embarked on their residential trip to Lake Garda, Italy. The week-long trip provided an opportunity for the pupils to bond with their new classmates before the academic year ahead.

Upon arrival, students were immediately immersed in activities, with highlights including sailing lessons on Lake Garda and a hike up the hillside. The group also
explored an amphitheatre and the historic town of Verona. A day in Venice included a vaporetto (water bus) ride and a visit to St Mark’s Square. They also rode the
Monte Baldo cable car, took part in a treasure hunt in Malcesine and were challenged with a team-building activity. After the action-packed days, students spent the evenings swimming and playing football.

The trip was met with enthusiastic feedback from the new Whitgiftians:

“Lake Garda was a great trip with some of the most fun things that our wonderful teachers had planned for us. We went sailing and had a wonderful trip to the top of
the mountains and also a train ride to Venice, so thank you for planning this amazing trip.” – Aaron

“I really enjoyed the pizza and the gelato. All the activities we did were well-planned, and I loved taking part in all of them. A special thank you to all the teachers for helping
and to Dr Jethwa for organising the whole trip. The coach ride was very fun as we passed through so many different countries.” – Yhuv

Dr Jethwa (Lake Garda Trip Leader and Teacher of Mathematics) shared her thoughts, explaining “Lake Garda is a truly special trip that every Lower First student remembers for a lifetime. From stepping out of their hotel rooms to the mesmerising views of the lake, to the breathtaking sights atop Monte Baldo, the trip takes the boys into a different world…This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Whitgift!”

Taking a large group of students on an international trip is a significant undertaking, and special thanks go to each member of staff for the organisation in the run up to the
trip and to those accompanying the Lower First, ensuring their safety and enjoyment.