The Latin Department is pleased to report that the biennial trip to the Bay of Naples, over the Easter weekend, was a huge success.

Forty-nine students from Years 9 to 12 attended. After an early flight our first destination was Oplontis, the villa of Poppae, where the second wife of the emperor Nero was found after the eruption of Vesuvius. Here we enjoyed the spacious rooms and airy gardens basking in the sunshine.

After some much needed sleep, day two took us to Pompeii and Vesuvius. We enjoyed a guided tour around the highlights, including the amphitheatre and baths, with a visit to Caecilius’ house the crowning glory. Some delicious pizza fortified us for the climb up the volcano, and although views were somewhat marred by misty conditions, the site of the crater was as awesome as ever.

Our final day saw us at Herculaneum, with its wondrously preserved two-storey buildings towering above us tourists. Some free time in the afternoon allowed us to explore Sorrento and enjoy a delicious ice cream or two, a nice way to wind down.

The Latin Department would like to thank all the pupils for their enthusiasm during the visit and extend a big thank you to all those teachers attending.