Bunclody Community College is infamous for its school tours. We believe that such events are not only worthwhile for their cultural benefits, they also contribute to the development of lifelong friendships, and to the unique atmosphere and student teacher relationships that exists in our school.
Each year there is a trip to a premiership match in the UK (sometimes with a visit to a museum as well). Oakwood or Alton Towers in May was always a favourite but unfortunately, the new ferry schedules do not allow us to do this trip anymore. Other tours have included Paris, Edinburgh, Austria, Italy, Germany, Poland and Barcelona. Our latest trip was to London in November 2019.
In 2026 Bunclody Community College organised a hugely successful and memorable three-day tour to Paris, where 78 students and 13 staff experienced the very best of French culture, history and fun.
From the moment the group arrived in the French capital, there was a great sense of excitement. Over the course of the three days, students had the opportunity to see many of the world-famous sights that make Paris such a special destination.
One of the highlights was visiting the iconic Louvre Museum. Students gathered outside the world-renowned gallery, taking in the stunning glass pyramid and the historic surroundings while learning about its significance as one of the most visited museums in the world. The group also visited the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, where they admired the impressive monument that stands proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées.
A guided bus tour of the city gave everyone a fantastic overview of Paris, allowing students to see many of its famous landmarks and neighbourhoods while learning about the rich history of the French capital. The tour provided a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the city in a relaxed and informative way.
A particular highlight for many was spending a full day at Disneyland Paris. Students made the most of every moment, enjoying the thrilling rides, exploring the different themed lands and soaking up the magical atmosphere. It was a day filled with laughter, excitement and unforgettable memories.
On the final day, the group visited the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Students were amazed by the opulence of the palace and the beauty of its extensive gardens. The visit provided a fascinating insight into French history and the lives of the monarchy, bringing classroom learning to life in a truly inspiring setting.
All students are encouraged to go on these tours and plenty of advance notice is given. Students can use the school’s Credit Union savings scheme to help them save for such school events. In addition to overseas trips, class teachers and subject teachers organise day trips for educational purposes e.g. the annual History trip to Belfast. In some cases a trip may be organised for students to enjoy a day out with their classmates. Day trips have included, ice-skating, scaling the heights of Gravity in Courtown, or a trip to the cinema..