Silicon Valley & San Francisco Half Term Trip
By Mr Jiwaji, Head of Computer Science
During the February half term, students from Years 8-13 enjoyed a fantastic Computer Science trip to Silicon Valley – home to Apple, Google, Facebook, and thousands of small startups that have revolutionised global technologies. The trip allowed students to see the huge range of careers available in the sector as well as gain a deeper understanding of the technology industry, its history, and its future.
The seven-day trip to San Francisco was jam-packed full of activities and fun! Here’s what we got up to:
Day 1:
We arrived in San Francisco brimming with excitement, though admittedly weary from the journey. After a quick dinner at Swiss Louis, we headed straight to bed, eager to rest for the adventures ahead.
Day 2:
After a rejuvenating night’s rest, we eagerly rose at dawn, brimming with anticipation for our day trip around Silicon Valley! Our itinerary promised an exciting array of visits to the campuses of tech titans such as the esteemed Googleplex HQ, the iconic Apple Infinity Loop, eBay and Intel. At the Apple headquarters, we delighted in a journey through an interactive tech model, granting us a virtual glimpse into the inner workings of this tech giant. Intel welcomed us with open arms, offering a small interactive museum. After all that tech talk, we took a breather at Pier 39, doing some souvenir shopping and soaking in the sights. Then, it was off to Hard Rock Cafe for a well-deserved dinner. Truly, it was a day filled with exploration and education; a journey through the heart of Silicon Valley that left us both enlightened and entertained.
Day 3:
Today, we had the pleasure of exploring one of the globe’s foremost research and educational institutions: Stanford University. Upon arrival, we embarked on a guided tour of the university’s picturesque campus. (Fun fact: it’s so vast that you could fit 82 theme parks inside it!) Our tour guide at Stanford told us all about the crazy stuff students get up to, from weird rituals to old traditions that everyone still loves. We took a quick break at the shop, and a lot of us ended up spending quite a bit on Stanford souvenirs. We enjoyed dinner at Bubba Gump’s.
Day 4:
We had a blast exploring San Francisco today! From checking out famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks and Chinatown to indulging in some shopping, we packed our day full of excitement. But the real thrill came with our ride on a cable car, navigating the city’s steep streets with exhilaration. And of course, we couldn’t resist tackling the climb up Lombard Street, enjoying the stunning views that made the effort totally worth it. We wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at Applebee’s.
Day 5:
We explored Alcatraz, learning firsthand about the tough realities of prison life through an audio tour guide where we heard fascinating tales like the infamous spoon escape. We took a leisurely stroll through the area, stumbling upon a bustling food market. It was a lively and vibrant scene, and we couldn’t resist diving in for lunch. The atmosphere was electric, making it a fun and memorable experience.
The boat ride back offered breathtaking views of the city. Later, back at the hotel, we enjoyed a casual pizza party to top off the day.
Day 6:
We had a blast at the Tech Interactive Museum, trying out cool stuff like making our own DNA and tinkering with program designs. It was a fun and educational experience, giving us insights into different technologies. Then, it was time to head to the airport for our flight back to London. San Fran was such an exciting and enjoyable trip!
Watch our Instagram Reel for the full trip experience below!
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