Postcards from Pompeii: Reflections from our Sixth Form Students
Over half term, our Sixth Form students at Radnor House Sevenoaks, embarked on an unforgettable journey to Italy - immersing themselves in the extraordinary history and culture of the Bay of Naples. From walking the ancient streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, to enjoying a hands-on culinary experience in the heart of Sorrento, students explored Italian heritage in the most vibrant and engaging way. This remarkable trip brought learning to life beyond the classroom - filled with discovery, inspiration and a taste (quite literally!) of authentic Italian tradition.
In this article, two of our Sixth Form students reflect on their incredible adventure and the memories that will stay with them long after returning home.
Written by Connor - Year 13
It’s 2am on 18th October. A gaggle of bleary-eyed Sixth Formers slowly climb aboard the coach to Luton Airport. The journey is quiet, save for the rustle of jelly babies being opened for a sugar hit to last until breakfast in departures.
By 6.45am, we’re airborne. Three hours later, we arrive — feeling the familiar bump of a classic Ryanair landing — at Napoli International Airport. After a short drive, our first activity begins: a pizza-making workshop. We stroll through lemon groves, watch a mozzarella-making demo, and finally get hands-on with pizza dough. In small groups, we shape, top, and fire our creations in a wood-burning oven. The results? Fantastic.
We bid farewell to the lovely farm family and head to Sorrento. After trudging down cobbled streets, we reach our hotel — our base for the next few days. A quick itinerary briefing from our group leaders, then we’re free to explore the vibrant town before dinner and a quiz hosted by Mrs Owen.
Day 2 takes us to Pompeii. From the amphitheatre to the Forum, every corner reveals something fascinating — preserved skeletons, mosaics, and echoes of Roman life. After lunch, we ascend Mount Vesuvius. At 1,281 metres, the views of the Bay of Naples are breathtaking.
Day 3 brings a boat trip to Capri, famed for its celebrity visitors and stunning scenery. Some of us tour the island by boat, blessed with sunshine and blue seas. Others enjoy a shopping spree, sipping coffee and sampling luxurious chocolates.
Later that day, the weather turns. A final morning of shopping in Sorrento is followed by a visit to Herculaneum, a better-preserved counterpart to Pompeii. Rain falls harder as we explore skeletons in the boathouse and grand villas. Sadly, the site closes earlier than expected, cutting our visit short. Spirits lift with the appearance of a double rainbow. After a final headcount, we head back to the airport for a smooth flight home.
This trip deepened our understanding of Roman culture and geography — from Capri’s coastal formations to Naples’ volcanic legacy. It was educational, fun, and a great bonding experience. Highlights include Year 13 boys being smirked at by Italians for their cheese-making skills (or lack thereof!), excellent gelato, and the ever-entertaining Mr Leddington (as tradition dictates).
A huge thank you to the Sixth Form Leadership Team for organising the trip, and to the staff who gave up their half-term to join us. We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.
Written by Theo - Year 12
I had the privilege of joining fellow Year 12 and Year 13 students on a school trip to Pompeii — and it truly was an unforgettable experience. Exploring the ancient ruins was both fascinating and surreal. Walking through the preserved streets and buildings gave us a vivid insight into Roman life, and having time to explore freely brought history to life in a way textbooks simply can’t.
One of the highlights was climbing Mount Vesuvius. Standing at the edge of the crater and looking out over the Bay of Naples was breathtaking. It’s hard to believe that the same volcano once buried Pompeii under ash — and yet there we were, walking along its rim!
We also spent a day visiting the stunning island of Capri. From the winding streets of Anacapri to the panoramic views from the chairlift, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. The scenery was incredible, offering the perfect chance to relax and soak up the beauty of the coastline. Some of us even enjoyed a memorable boat trip around the island — a definite favourite!
Beyond the sights and history, the trip was a brilliant opportunity to connect with students from both year groups. Whether we were sharing meals, exploring the town, or chatting during the journeys, it was a wonderful chance to strengthen the sense of community between Year 12 and Year 13.
I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this experience, and I know the memories will stay with me for a long time.
