Our recent South Africa tour over the Easter holidays provided pupils with an enriching and unforgettable experience, combining sport, cultural exploration and meaningful partnership work.
The trip began in Cape Town, where pupils had the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks and engage with the country’s history. Highlights included a trip up Table Mountain and a powerful visit to the District Six Museum, where pupils gained a deeper understanding of South Africa’s past and the lasting impact of apartheid. The group also visited Robben Island, further enhancing their appreciation of the nation’s journey.
Sport played a central role throughout the tour. Pupils trained on the beaches and competed in a range of rugby and hockey fixtures, including their first matches with Siyabulela and competitive games against Sunningdale. A particularly special moment came during a joint rugby day with Siripat Lions, where both girls and boys took part. The organisation’s commitment to mentoring young people within their community left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
The tour also included unforgettable wildlife experiences, with a game drive in Hluhluwe followed by a night walk at Ubizane, allowing pupils to experience South Africa’s natural environment up close.
A key focus of the tour was strengthening long-standing partnerships. Visits to our partner schools were both inspiring and humbling. Ncemaneni continues to thrive after two decades of collaboration, and pupils were especially moved by hearing from recent graduate Thobeka, who spoke about the positive impact the partnership has had on her life. The group also visited Ncekuya and looks forward to developing this relationship in the future.
Overall, the tour was a powerful blend of sport, education and global connection.
