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Gatwick High-Flyer Programme
Here at TGS, we wish to offer our students who want to push themselves to the greatest heights, the opportunity to do so; and for this reason, we created the Gatwick High-Flyer programme, which is open for applications each year for students from Year 8 upwards.
Students may apply for this programme through sixteen different routes, such as being able to show that they are a High-Flyer Historian, Mathematician, Performer or Linguist or that they are a High-Flyer Leader or Entrepreneur, for example. Candidates complete an online application and attend group interviews and team building activities.
Successful applicants then earn the distinction of wearing the High-Flyer insignia on their uniform and are invited to attend four events each term. These include in-school activities - such as masterclasses and lectures on topics beyond the standard curriculum - as well as off-site visits to inspiring locations across Sussex and London.
In this way, students broaden their horizons, and develop their collaborative skills, as they work together to better their chances and choices in the future.
A group of older High-Flyers from The Gatwick School recently set off on the train to London Victoria for an exceptional day in the capital. The trip was a specially packaged High-Flyer educational visit, taking in two iconic locations at the heart of British national life: Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, home of the UK Parliament.
As the students walked down The Mall, they paused briefly to catch a glimpse of Clarence House, the official residence of the King and Queen. While discussing the King’s short commute, they were suddenly interrupted by the sound of whistles and police officers instructing everyone to remain on the pavement. A convoy of vehicles passed by at speed, including an Audi A8 LWB, a type of car often used by the King and Queen for non-ceremonial engagements. Although the royal occupant could not be seen clearly, it seemed likely that the King was on his way to the Palace for an ‘office day.’
The students then continued through St James’s Park, past Horse Guards Parade, and soon reached the impressive 13th-century Westminster Abbey. Their first stop was the Education Centre, located in an old house by College Garden, believed to be England’s oldest cultivated garden. There, they were greeted by their guide, Sophie, and settled in for an orientation session on the Abbey. Highlights included an interactive moment where Archbishop Pandya crowned “King Connor I,” giving the students a fun hands-on experience of history.
From the classroom, the students had a clear view of Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster and the Abbey. They then explored the oldest part of the Abbey, built by Edward the Confessor in the Norman style, including Britain’s oldest door dating from 1050, which they were privileged to touch.
Next, the group moved through the Gothic sections built by Henry III in the 13th century and visited the Chapter House, where early Parliaments met. They tested the room’s impressive acoustics by calling out “echo!” and conducting a whispering experiment along the angled walls.
Inside the Abbey, the students saw St Edward’s Chair, used for the coronation of King Charles III and generations of monarchs before him. They also explored the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, St Edward’s Shrine, and the tombs of monarchs including Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Mary Queen of Scots. Poets’ Corner delighted literature enthusiasts, while Scientists’ Corner captured the attention of budding scientists. The session, initially planned for an hour and a half, was extended by the guide, giving the students even more time to explore.
Exiting through College Garden, the students were just minutes away from the Palace of Westminster. They walked through Parliament Square, observed the statues, and admired the façade of the UK Supreme Court.
Thanks to the support of local MP Peter Lamb, the group toured the Palace. After passing through airport-style security, they entered Westminster Hall, the oldest surviving part of the Palace, renowned for hosting historic events such as addresses by world leaders and the lying-in-state of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Their guide, Marjorie, took them to Central Lobby, the central point of the Palace, from which they could see both the Speaker’s Chair in the House of Commons and the throne in the House of Lords. The students explored the division lobbies where MPs vote, then entered the Commons Chamber. They observed the Government side from the third row, gaining a unique perspective of the chamber that differs greatly from television coverage.
Although the House of Lords was in session, Mrs Sparkes secured special permission for the students to visit the public gallery. They were able to watch Lords debating amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, an extraordinary conclusion to an unforgettable day. The VIP Westminster Experience offered the students a unique insight into British history, government, and culture, creating memories they are likely to treasure for years to come.
