Scholars' Magazine - Geneva Trip
OVERVIEW
From Monday, October 16th to late Wednesday, October 8th, Mr Aaron Markar, Head of Science, along with other Ballard staff, led twenty-two pupils on the inaugural Scholars’ trip to Geneva. The purpose of this journey was to both promote and reward the values we hold dear at Ballard. Scholars who exemplified these values and successfully navigated a stringent application process were selected for the trip. Participation was not guaranteed for all scholars.
The aim was to:
• To stretch and challenge pupils with opportunities to extend their learning through specially designed enrichment trips.
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• and Hublot along with several others.
Additionally, Geneva is home to the United Nations Palace. This is one of the four major UN buildings in the world. Inside, large meetings are held about the world’s problems and how to solve them." Lihan, Academic Scholar
It was a really early start from Ballard but pupils were eager to see the sights.
On arrival at Geneva airport, Scholars made their way to Geneva (Cornavin) Train Station prior to
DAY 1 - Jardin Botanique Genève
botanical gardens, where they explored the different plant species and enjoyed a peaceful
DAY 1 - History of Science Museum
This experience helped them see how physics is applied in real-world situations, setting the tone for their educational adventure at CERN.
DAY 2 - Cern
Day two was jam-packed with a visit to CERN, famous for the Large Hadron Collider, a 27 kilometre ring of superconducting magnets with a number of accelerating structures to boost the
DAY 2 - Cern
Our Scholars visited the museum and spoke with some of CERN’s renowned physicists. Mr Markar was really impressed by our teams’ questions that included deep and engaging conversations with the physicists about the different theories of the origins of the universe, including the multi verse and big bang theories.
The physicists said that language is the barrier to many of these concepts and that maths is often the best language to explain these theories – therefore a good understanding of maths is
DAY 2 - Broken Chair & UN Alley of Flags
Next, our intrepid Scholars visited the UN HQ, and its Alley of Flags and the Broken Chair sculpture, which is 12m high and made from 55 tons of wood. The chair, with its broken leg, symbolises opposition to land mines and cluster bombs to visiting politicians and diplomats.
To see 195 flags flying high outside the Palais des Nations is something utterly incredible. A symbol that despite any conflict, dispute or setbacks, we are all united and will give eternal support to our allies to restore peace. Us scholars were fortunate enough to be given an insight into the dedication and effort made by those who work in such an inspiring place. Upon arriving into the building situated in Geneva, the ‘Capital of Peace’, we were escorted by welcoming tour guides on a tour of the UN." Ava, Scholar
DAY 2 - UN Palace of Nations
In the UN Palace of Nations our pupils were able to watch a live meeting and learnt about the importance of talking in person, rather than online. The UN representative argued that, without the human aspect of dialogue, it is harder for officials from different countries to pick up on issues effectively. For this reason, many diplomats are chosen because they speak many languages and won’t lose any inference in translation. On any level, just having a chat is really important and helps you learn about each other. Human interaction, whether in a school or in the highest levels of government, is the key.
DAY 3 - Red Cross & Red Crescent Museum
On the final day of the trip, our Scholars visited the Red Cross Museum, which was very emotive, moving and poignant – allowing pupils and staff to reflect on how lucky we are.
Two of the more harrowing exhibits included a large wall of Polaroids, a replica of one outside a refugee camp where of all the children who have lost their parents and are seeking a relative to
DAY 3 - Home & Reflections
"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, one that we will always remember."
Ballard Scholars
