The CAS Trip to Northern Ireland

This report was written by Jack Dykstra-McCarthy, a first year IB student on the trip.

Over the course of three days we had a brief active history of Northern Ireland; this consisted of the formation of Ireland, the introduction of Protestants to a Catholic island and the conflicts this caused concluding to the Good Friday agreement. We were exposed to the traits of Northern Ireland, the bare facts of the history but also to the real thoughts and emotions of some of the men who were in some way involved with the recent Troubles. It is this that made the trip so successful as we were immediately introduced to Guides that we knew were willing to talk about their experiences; and although they were giving their own opinions they were hugely fair and have strong cases and reasoning to both sides of the Troubles. The Guides were very important for as you can always visit the places however not take away anywhere near as much as we did.

I thought the trip worked very smoothly and a lot was packed in while we still did have time to look around on our own and make some incredible purchases! (A special highlight for me was a vintage emporium selling clothes from the 70s (ish) although not strictly relevant, it was a personal victory). After the first day it becomes clear that this is the fifteenth year for the trip as there is such a great knowledge of the areas we go to and there was very little confusion of plans and events. I thought you struck a fantastic line of relaxation and education which allowed the trip to continue with smiles. I was slightly disappointed that there was not more of a presence for Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday; I understand that it is a British tradition though it is hugely relevant to the Troubles and is relevant to almost every nation, in my opinion it would have been educational and respectful to have joined deputy Mayor Lord Alderman and the people of Belfast on Sunday for a few moments of silence.

I have visited Northern Ireland before and seen these sites with my family. However I felt that I gained far more from this trip and it was most enjoyable. Thank you.

November