Geography students enjoy Italian adventure

Last term, Vandyke geography students swapped classrooms for coastlines as we embarked on an adventure to southern Italy. Based in the beautiful town of Sorrento, perched above the Bay of Naples, we explored some of the most spectacular landscapes and historical wonders Europe has to offer.

Our trip included a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, where pastel-coloured houses clung to steep cliffs and the views were nothing short of breathtaking. We visited Positano and Amalfi, two charming coastal towns, soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere and enjoying the chance to sample local delicacies such as arancini and gelato.

One of the highlights was a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast to Salerno. The crystal-clear water, dramatic rock formations, and hidden coves was geography in real life, beyond anything a textbook could show. A key part of the trip was our visit to the ancient city of Pompeii. Walking through the preserved streets, homes, and amphitheatres gave us a powerful insight into Roman life—and the devastating eruption that buried the city in ash nearly 2,000 years ago. Then Mount Vesuvius itself, climbing to the summit and peering into the crater of one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes. It was tough, but the views made every step worth it!

Of course, no visit to Italy would be complete without indulging in some culinary culture. We took part in a fun and interactive gelato-making lesson, where we created our own Italian ice cream. Later on, we became pizza chefs at Pizza Metro, where we stretched, topped and baked our own delicious Neapolitan pizzas in traditional wood-fired ovens. Lucky Mr Burgess even got to celebrate his birthday that night! Thanks to Ms Monk, Mr Bodo, Miss Bradford, Miss Briand, Mr Burgess and Mrs Biswell for supporting this fantastic trip.