Writes Markus F. (Divs) and Maximilian D. (4ths)
Over the past week, our academic scholars have enjoyed not one, but two enriching outings designed to broaden their horizons beyond the classroom. From the bright lights of the West End to the vast expanses of the cosmos, both trips offered entirely different (but equally memorable) experiences.
On Wednesday 3rd December, the Divisions academic scholars travelled to London to see the award-winning musical Hamilton. Unlike a traditional musical, Hamilton unfolds entirely through song, with rapid-fire rap numbers replacing spoken dialogue and driving the pace of the story.
The production explores the remarkable life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers and George Washington’s right-hand man during the War of Independence. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography, and with 46 densely written songs, the show would run for nearly six hours if performed at the speed of a typical Disney musical.
The scholars were captivated by the energy, storytelling and musical innovation. It was an exhilarating cultural experience, and one that left everyone buzzing long after the final curtain.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Form academic scholars ventured into the scientific world with a visit to Bayfordbury Observatory in Hatfield – one of the best-equipped university teaching observatories in the country.
Their evening began with an engaging presentation on the scale of the Milky Way, gravitational lensing, and the question of whether humanity is truly alone in the universe. The scholars then squeezed into a cosy planetarium, where they watched immersive animations on supernovae, planetary motion and the structure of our solar system.
A guided tour of the observatory followed, taking them past enormous radio and optical telescopes, including one valued at over a million pounds. Although the wet weather prevented the hatches from opening to observe the night sky, the group learned how the telescopes function and the limitations imposed by weather and atmosphere.
Despite the rain, the Fourth Form boys found the experience “awe-inspiring” and left with a new appreciation for astronomy and our place in the universe.
