ROMAN history was brought to life for Barnsley pupils on a trip to Rome as part of their Latin studies.
The youngsters from Darton Academy swapped textbooks for the real thing, enjoying a four-day residential trip in the Italian capital.
Now in their second year of studying GCSE Latin language and civilisation, they are the first cohort to study the subject at Darton.
The group were among 53 year ten and 11 students and eight staff from Delta Academies Trust on the trip.
It took place thanks to support from the Latin Excellence Programme and funding from the Department for Education.
The visit was organised by Claire Hill, Latin and French lead at Delta.
She said: “It was a jam-packed adventure which brought Roman history to life.
“The trip was a journey through time, with students standing in the mighty Colosseum, wandering the ruins of the Roman Forum, and marvelling at the grandeur of the Pantheon.
“The group also explored the National Roman Museum and the Baths of Diocletian, uncovering ancient artefacts that deepened their appreciation of Roman civilisation.
“Every moment spent in the heart of Rome was a powerful immersion into the past.”
The group walked more than 80,000 steps throughout the trip, with each evening’s meal enjoyed at a different restaurant.
The Barnsley students were joined by others from De Warenne in Conisbrough, Garforth in Leeds and The Vale in Brigg, North Lincolnshire.
Claire added: “The experience was embraced wholeheartedly by all, with students forging new friendships and showing great respect for staff and fellow travellers.
“This was my first time organising a multi-academy trip and it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
“The expertise of seasoned staff from four different academies played a crucial role in ensuring everything ran seamlessly.”
Helen Holmes, senior director of modern foreign languages at Delta Academies Trust, said it had been the first time a multi-academy trip of this kind had been undertaken.
She said: “In my 33 years of teaching this is the best trip I have ever been on.
“Their behaviour was exemplary and the staff were outstanding, sharing the responsibility to ensure everything flowed seamlessly.”