Saturday 5 September

We travelled back to Olhao the next day and arrived back at midnight. We were so tired that we slept soundly and then got up early in the morning, to fly back to London. This time our stopover was in Düsseldorf, but no problems as far delays or anything else, so that was great.

Dusseldorf from the air.

We arrived back in London in the evening and unpacked. We only had a day to spend in London before travelling to Wales, to visit two schools.

The next day we visited some markets and did lots of walking again. I love walking!!!!!

Then on Wednesday 2 September we travelled by train to Cardiff, Wales. The train was so quiet and the trip took just over two hours, but it was really quite relaxing. I was able to do some work on the train, as they had free wifi.

We went straight to the hotel and checked in. Then it was off to sightsee. We decided to try the hop on hop off bus, as they are always a good way to see where everything is. The bus started just outside Cardiff Castle, which was directly opposite the hotel. Mr Stuart was also so excited because the hotel was right next to the Millenium Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park, where the Welsh Rugby team play. We could also see that everyone in Cardiff was getting ready for the World Cup.

The Millennium Stadium

 A statue named " All Hands" by Brian Fell. It depicts canal workers, working together and pulling on ropes.

The Museum

This building that you see ( not a very good picture), is actually where Dr Who memorabilia is showcased. The television series was filmed in Wales, and some of the filming was done in the rooms at Cardiff Castle. Unfortunately I was not in Wales long enough to visit this building.

The buildings in Wales reminded me of many of the buildings in London. It was also interesting walking around the city centre. It was certainly a much quieter place, than any of the countries, that we have visited on our journey.

The next day was my visit to the schools. The schools were based in Barry, a town about 20 minutes away from Cardiff. We arrived at the first school which was Cadoxton Primary and were met by the Deputy Principal whose name was Ceri Ann. The Principal of the school, Janet, was away on the school camp at the time. Peter,  who was from the Welsh. Ministry of Education also met us to discuss what the government are doing to assist the developments to support teaching and learning using digital technologies.

Cadoxton School is a primary school, which does start with the nursery years. They have some children who are as young as three attending their nursery classes. The school provides a very nurturing environment and it did remind me of May Road School. The teachers that I spoke to were very passionate about what they were doing. The school is a Human Rights based school, Ecofriendly, Health Promoting and also has a real focus on using digital technology effectively. I was able to speak with the E-cadets who are students who help teach other students about being Cybersmart. All of the teaching and learning at this school is done in English.

The outside of Cadoxton Primary School

The mission statement: Learning and Growing Together- Being our best forever! This makes sense to me.

Welcome signs in English and Welsh. Wales is a bilingual country.

Just a few photos of Cadoxton Primary. I loved visiting and talking to the students and teachers there.

Then it was off to visit another school. This time a secondary school that was not too far away. When I got to the school I was told that it was the first day that this secondary school had merged with a primary school and now had childre attending from the ages of three years to 19 years. All of the teaching and learning was done in Welsh although for some of the senior students there were lessons each week in English and other languages. The name of the school was Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg (a very hard name to say).  The word Ysgol is the word for school in Welsh. 

After visiting the two schools we returned to the city centre and rested. Tomorrow would be our last day in Cardiff before returning to London and we wanted to visit Cardiff Castle.

Below I have posted some photos of the castle. It is a wonderful building with the full castle which has been modified over the years and an original Norman keep. Maybe you can google this and find out more information.  The castle was originally built by the Marquis of Buit who was involved in building up the areas around the canal and also the coal mining that was all around the area. He was a very wealthy man and the property was only one of the properties that he owned. He was originally from Scotland and his sons through the years took over the leadership of his businesses. One of the descendants of this man - I think the 5th Marquis of Buit gifted the Castle and its surrounding parkland to the people of Cardiff. This was a very generous thing to do and the people really appreciate it. This means that any of the citizens of Cardiff are able to get into the castle for free, and can hire it out for weddings and other functions. People such as the Queen, Barak Obama, Nelson Mandela and many other heads of state have dined in the banquet room at the castle. 

The Norman Keep above the castle

 A view of the castle itself.

 The end of the banquet hall

An upstairs conservatory area. Gorgeous for sitting and reflecting.

The stocks. Oh dear!!!!!

A squirrel in the surrounding Park.

One of the parts that I liked the most was the Animal Wall that surrounds the castle. I think the Marquis of Buit was a little quirky and so he had some very interesting ideas for his home. This was one of them. 

Some of the animals on the wall.

After our visit to the castle it was a quick race back to hotel, to pick up our bags and get back to the train station, to journey back to London. 

After two and a half hours we were back in London. We had our last day on the Saturday which was a lovely family time with Mathew and Deb.

After saying our goodbyes on the Sunday morning. it was back in a taxi cab and off to Heathrow airport. 

Two plane trips - the first from London to Singapore which took around twelve hours and then a second flight from Singapore to Auckland which was around eight and a half hours. 

Late on Monday 7 August we arrived back in New Zealand. There is nothing quite like returning home and knowing that your family and friends are waiting for you. 

I am so grateful though for being able to have this wonderful experience and I especially thank our May Road Board of Trustees and the people who make sabbaticals possible ( MOE - Ministry of Education and NZEI - New Zealand Educational Institute). Of course I need to thank the staff and students of May Road school who have kept working very hard while I have been away. I look forward to seeing you all next term and hope that you have enjoyed my blog.

Over the next couple of weeks I will be working on how to share the learning that I have done over this term.

Arohanui to all.