As part of the learner’s social development, the Year 11 POD groups all planned their own day trip to London. They had discussed venues, activities, looked at costings and even planned the journey to and from London. The aim of the trip was to take them out of their comfort zone and build up their resilience. This experience has been valuable, in helping them to develop their skills around organisation and teamwork.

On the 4^th of May learners from the 3 Year 11 PODS, went to Central London on the train, from Hemel Hempstead to Euston, then on to Kensington to visit the Science and Natural History museums. The learners were taught and learnt how to read the train maps and navigate their way through the over ground and underground train networks to reach the desired destinations.

Both museums are an extraordinary place for learners to discover human achievement and technological advances that have helped humanity overcome challenges throughout history. The learners engaged with the interactive element that we hope ignites curiosity, encourage scientific endeavour, and spark their imagination.

Following on from the museum visits, learners walked down through Central London to China Town where they found and experienced authentic East Asian cuisine. One of the other groups planned and went to Covent Gardens to experience Japanese Cuisine. Learners had the opportunity to learn and use chopsticks, trying food they usually shy away from even trying. One learner said that “this was the best meal I ever had and definitely will come back with my family.” Following on from lunch, learners then had the opportunity to see the street performers first hand which Covent Garden is famous for.

This experience has provided the learners with valuable knowledge, as they go out of their comfort zone to visit places, explore tastes and meet people that they may not otherwise have had the chance to. All of them gained the confidence to plan the train journey independently, a big milestone in their social and personal development. At DESC we believe in bridging the gap and making the learners ready for the world around them.