For years now, I have been dreaming about a NASA School Trip, and this Easter, I was lucky enough to make it happen.  Mrs Anderson and I took twenty Sixth Formers to Orlando, Florida, for a phenomenal NASA-based excursion. 

Our first day involved exploring the Kennedy Space Centre, where we learned about the history of the Apollo and Shuttle Space Programs, saw incredible rockets, experienced an actual shuttle launch, and so much more.  Our second day offered an out-of-this-world experience, where we all got to spend the morning back at the Kennedy Space Centre, completing Astronaut Training.  This included executing a launch and docking on a space station, landing and driving on Mars in a Land Rover simulator, walking on Mars using AI technology, and experiencing Micro-Gravity while carrying out maintenance work.  All students had to chance to experience every element and it was an incredibly memorable experience.  This was followed up wonderfully by a relaxing afternoon at Cocoa Beach.  Day three brought us to Universal Studios where we had the day to experience all the rides at the two parks, spending most of the morning drenched by the water rides, followed by a Hard Rock Café dinner that evening.  Our last day started with an adventure to Boggy Creek where we drifted over the Everglades, alligator spotting, then returning to feed alligators and butterflies.  We also tried some Gator Bites, which we unanimously agreed were delicious.  That afternoon/evening we flew back to the UK. 
This was the best school trip I have ever been on and the students were absolutely exceptional. They made the trip. I was extremely excited whilst planning this trip, but every element of it surpassed my expectations. 

Mrs Gemma Nicholson, Head of Maths

The NASA trip in undoubtedly the best trip I've ever been on. I had an amazing time and made many new friends that I had so much fun with. The 2 days at the Kennedy Space centre were fantastic: seeing all the shuttles and rockets where we got to fly through a galaxy, having astronaut training/simulations and, most of all, fountains. Universal Studios, I must say, was my favourite part: getting to go on a rollercoaster based on one of the best film trilogies, Jurassic Park, was amazing. Being completely soaked from the water rides at the beginning of the day with Miss Nicholson, Mrs Anderson, Matthew and Andrew was hilarious, somehow not regretting later on.
We got to hover above water and see many 'gators' in a creek as well as see some of the most beautiful butterflies. 
I really enjoyed this experience and highly recommend the NASA trip to others!  - Tasha L-Jay 

Our trip to Florida has undoubtedly been the most fun school trip I have been on. I don't think there was a single moment where I didn't have fun or was laughing my socks off. The first day at NASA was incredible, starting with the wonder at seeing the Atlantis shuttle to ending with being tricked into pure terror by a 4-D cinema that looked like a roller coaster, it was a great start - made even more so by the discovery of a new wonder of the man-made world - fountains. Astronaut training and the beach followed up perfectly, combining a fascinating morning trying everything from micro-gravity to mission control, and then making a ruckus in the sea bashing into waves. Not being great on roller coasters, I was initially hesitant about the day at Universal, but it proved to be just as memorable as the others, going on the "death-defying" Dr Seuss ride twice and being able to enjoy a meal at the Hard Rock cafe as the only group of people singing along to the songs played. By the last day, it felt like it had all gone in a flash, but we went off with a bang for sure. We used all three types of transport - water, land and air (but not fire), able to see alligators in Boggy Creek via airboats, then driving to the airport to just narrowly get everyone onto the plane. All-in-all it was a trip that will stay with me for a long time, every single second of it. - Barnaby

Of all the enjoyable and exciting aspects of the trip, the main thing I noticed was the sense of togetherness. I had never talked to the majority of people who went, but whether screaming dramatically on the kids’ Dr Seuss ride at Universal or embarking on a quest to find the mythical “fountains” at the Kennedy Space Centre, everyone supported each other and went into every activity with the intention of having a laugh together. The trip was inspiring and amusing in equal measure. - Katrina

NASA was definitely the best school trip I've ever been on. I had so much fun and there were so many great experiences and photos that we can look back on! I would 100% recommend that people go on this trip if it's done again in the future. - Luke G