Every Primary School on the Isle of Wight has now completed a fully-funded day trip to London, made possible by local firm Diamond Adventures and supported by sponsors WightFibre and Red Funnel.
The large-scale initiative saw over 1,100 Year 5 pupils from across the Isle of Wight take part in a structured visit to the UK capital – many for the very first time. The programme aimed to broaden children’s horizons, offering them a memorable cultural and educational experience away from home.
Each school’s trip included coach transport, Red Funnel ferry crossings, and admission to several London attractions – all completely free of charge. Destinations visited included the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
Keiran O’Toole, Managing Director of Diamond Adventures, has said:
“Through this collaborative partnership with WightFibre and Red Funnel, we were able to provide this unique opportunity for over 1,100 local children.
“Groups visited places like the British Museum, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. It was great to talk to a number of different students and staff who were so appreciative of these trips. For more than I knew, this was the first time for a lot of children visiting London.”
The initiative has been hailed as a major success and is now confirmed to become an annual offering for all Year 5 pupils on the Isle of Wight.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel Ferries, has said:
“We take immense pride in partnering with local businesses like Diamond Adventures.
“Supporting local children in accessing enriching cultural trips to destinations like London is essential in providing them with valuable experiences, and it is hugely important to Red Funnel that we play a role in making this happen.”
John Irvine, CEO of WightFibre, has said:
“We all know people who have grown up on the Isle of Wight but never had the opportunity for a trip off the Island. This programme aims to fix that.
“WightFibre is delighted to sponsor the Year 5 London Adventure programme with Diamond Adventures. We hope to help create unforgettable memories for every single Year 5 pupil on the Island.”
The programme – costing tens of thousands of pounds – is being described as unmatched by any other UK county, showing what can be achieved when local businesses unite for the benefit of the community.
Good to see, all children need to see the real world
with all the cultures and diversity in the country.
Not good wearing rose tinted glasses.
Good idea hope it carries on.
They need to see Britain in it’s full glory.
I guess they need to see how DARK the real world is. It’s very DARK
Oh I see what you’ve done there, hahaha. You made a joke whilst proving you’re racist pond life. Good for you, Jum. With a bit of luck, you’ll never have procreated and never will.
It’s a lot lighter on the mainland.
Or how insular The Isle of Wight is!and although it’s a beautiful space if they want a job of worth they are going to have to move off the Island for pay,and variety unless they want to go I to Care or hospitality which is also dieing on its feet thanks to the ferry’s. We are lucky in this small rock but have to be realists at same time as parents.