Year 7 visited the Northern Quarter and Ancoats area of Manchester. In a trip that looked at Manchester’s change over the last century and impacts on culture, Year 7 had a guided tour of Ancoats; learning about why the area was once called ‘Little Italy’, the influence and power of the cotton industry and largest steam powered mills in the world, to the modern regeneration of the area, with Michelin starred restaurants! Next stop was Manchester Buddhist Centre, where students learnt about the guiding principles of Buddhism, as well as a brilliant, guided mediation session (much needed on an action-packed day!). The last point of call was some geography fieldwork, collecting data on the different shops and restaurants of Ancoats in preparation to answer our big question in class, ‘Has Ancoats regeneration been driven by chains or independent businesses?’

Year 7 were fantastic throughout the day, full of inquisitive questions and displaying exemplary behaviour. They were a real credit to the school, and it was great to see them having so much enthusiasm for the city that they live in!