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Follow-up activity. Sonia’s reflections… 

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Follow-up activity. Sonia’s reflections… 

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Follow-up. Licia's deepest reflections ...

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Follow-up. Licia's deepest reflections ...

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This school trip to Bury St Edmunds offers students an immersive educational experience that combines language practice, critical thinking, and cultural exploration.

Through active participation in lessons and collaborative activities with a local school, structured debates on contemporary issues, and guided visits to places of historical and cultural significance, students are encouraged to use English in authentic contexts while developing communication, teamwork, and analytical skills.

The experience aims to strengthen linguistic competence, foster intercultural awareness, and promote active, reflective learning beyond the classroom.

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Day two - Docu/video: discovering Bury Saint Edmund…

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Day two - Docu/video: discovering Bury Saint Edmund…

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Day three: school work and… some shopping!

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Day three: school work and… some shopping!

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Day five ~ Discovering History in/of Cambridge…

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Day five ~ Discovering History in/of Cambridge…

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Last day: active learning … and farewell❣️

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Last day: active learning … and farewell❣️

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Topics for students’ research work and presentations…

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Topics for students’ research work and presentations…

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In the Middle Ages, Bury St Edmunds was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in England. Many people travelled there to visit the shrine of Edmund the Martyr, a 9th century king who became a Christian martyr. Edmund was King of East Anglia and in 869 he was killed by Viking invaders because he refused to surrender his faith in christianity.

After his death, people believed that miracles happened at the place where he was buried, and his tomb became a sacred place. For this reason, thousands of pilgrims travelled to the town to pray for healing, protection, forgiveness, and blessings. They believed that praying at the saint’s shrine would grant them protection and faith.

The shrine was kept inside the Bury St Edmunds Abbey, a huge monastery that became one of the most important religious centres in England. The abbey was an impressive complex with large churches, beautiful buildings, and wonderful gardens. This abbey played an important role in the religious and cultural life of medieval England. However, in the 16th century the abbey was destroyed due to the newly formed policy introduced by Henry VIII, and the original shrine of St Edmund disappeared.

Today, Bury St Edmunds is still an important historical and religious town. Visitors can walk through the ruins of the abbey in the Abbey Gardens and imagine how magnificent it was in the past. Near the ruins stands St Edmundsbury Cathedral, which is an active Anglican cathedral.

This cathedral was originally a parish church and became a cathedral in 1914. Although the medieval shrine no longer exists, many people still visit the cathedral for prayer, religious services, and personal devotion to St Edmund. Some visitors come for spiritual reasons, while others are interested in history and heritage.

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Evolution of music in the U.K (Tommaso Miotti)

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Evolution of music in the U.K (Tommaso Miotti)

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British music has played a crucial role in shaping the global music scene. Over the decades, the United Kingdom has produced influential artists who have left a lasting impact on different musical genres.

In the 1960s, British music gained international recognition thanks to The Beatles. Formed in Liverpool, the band revolutionised pop and rock music with their innovative sound and meaningful lyrics. Songs such as Hey Jude and Let It Be are still considered timeless classics. Their success marked the beginning of what is often called the “British Invasion”, a period when many British bands became popular worldwide.

In more recent years, British pop music has continued to dominate the international charts with artists like Ed Sheeranand Adele. Ed Sheeran is known for blending pop, folk and acoustic elements in his music. His songwriting often focuses on love and personal experiences, which makes his songs relatable to a wide audience. Adele, on the other hand, is famous for her powerful voice and emotional ballads. Her music often explores themes such as heartbreak, growth and resilience, connecting deeply with listeners around the world.

More recently, the UK music scene has seen the rapid rise of rap and drill music. One of the most prominent figures in this genre is Central Cee. He represents a new generation of British artists who use music to express their personal experiences and the realities of urban life. His style combines catchy beats with sharp and direct lyrics, which have gained him international popularity. Through social media and streaming platforms, British rap has reached a global audience and continues to grow in influence.

In conclusion, British music has evolved significantly over time, moving from classic rock bands like The Beatles to contemporary pop stars and modern rap artists. Despite these changes, the UK remains one of the most important countries in the global music industry.

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Curious aspects of Bury St Edmund's - The UK's most Dog-friendly Town 

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Curious aspects of Bury St Edmund's - The UK's most Dog-friendly Town 

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Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk that has become one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the United Kingdom.

In 2024, it was officially crowned the winner of the National Dog Friendly Awards, recognising its strong commitment to welcoming dogs across the town centre.

Since 2018, a partnership between Bury St Edmunds Town Council, Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Camp Tails Doggy Daycare, and the tourism brand Bury St Edmunds and Beyond has developed a coordinated dog-friendly approach. As a consequence, more than 140 businesses embraced to display a “blue paw print” window sticker, showing that dogs are welcome inside. These businesses are also listed on the official town map to help visitors easily identify dog-friendly locations.

Another curiously interesting fact about the town involves St Edmundsbury Cathedral allowing dogs inside on a lead and offering a rare example of pet inclusion, within a historic and religious setting. The initiative is also celebrated through projects such as the “Dogs in the Cathedral” calendar.

In addition, the town’s hospitality sector includes a wide range of dog-friendly venues, from The Nutshell, Britain’s smallest pub, to restaurants such as Mowgli and Damson & Wilde. Cafés like Midgar Coffee provide treats and water bowls for dogs. Major retail spaces participate as well, including independent shops and national brands in the arc shopping centre such as H&M, Pandora, New Look, and Next.

Furthermore, the Dog-Friendly Charter provides guidelines to ensure safety and responsible pet ownership, encouraging positive social interaction in public spaces such as Abbey Gardens and local cafés.

Through cooperation between local authorities, businesses, and residents, Bury St Edmunds has developed a model of inclusive urban hospitality that supports both community life and the local economy.

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First of all, Bury St Edmunds is a historic jewel in the heart of Suffolk, offering a perfect blend of medieval heritage, cultural richness, and stunning natural landscapes.

With historic houses, galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and museums, exquisite food, unique boutiques, beautiful countryside, live music, dance, theatre and cinema, there is so much to explore in Bury St Edmunds.

As the last remaining Regency playhouse in the country, The Theatre Royal it’s an evocative place to take in a show. With numerous original features still intact, this gorgeous theatre is a masterpiece of design artistry.

Built in 1819 by William Wilkins, the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is the UK's only surviving Regency playhouse still in use. Located in Suffolk, it is renowned for its intimate, restored, and historic atmosphere, featuring a horseshoe-shaped auditorium, classical motifs like sphinxes, and a painted ceiling representing the open sky.

The theater features a classic Regency design inspired by ancient Greek amphitheaters. It has undergone extensive restoration to return it to its 1819 appearance, including its original intimate, "pocket-sized" feel.

The auditorium includes a dress circle decorated with motifs such as griffins and sphinxes.

It is considered one of the most beautiful and historic theaters in the world, offering an intimate experience.

Originally built to hold nearly 800 people, it is now designed to offer a more comfortable, yet still close, experience.

The theater is accessible, with ramps to the foyer, bar, and selected seating.

It is impossible to separate the Magna Carta from Bury St Edmunds, this document paved the way for the modern world. In 1214, a group of barons met here to force King John to accept the charter of liberties that became the Magna Carta (A fundamental document signed by King John of England in 1215 to limit monarchical power).

Visiting the award-winning Abbey Gardens and Abbey Ruins in Bury St Edmunds offers a direct connection to the "Cradle of the Law," where a crucial moment in the creation of the Magna Carta took place.

The Abbey Ruins are the remains of what was once one of Europe's most powerful Benedictine monasteries, demolished during the dissolution in 1539.

Managed by English Heritage, these ruins are all that remain of the Great Abbey founded in 1020 to house the shrine of Saint Edmund, England's original patron saint.

You can still see the Great Gate (14th century) and the Norman Tower, along with the massive flint cores of the original abbey church.

Some 18th-century houses are built directly into the ruins of the West Front and are still used as private residences today.

The Abbey Gardens created in 1831, these gardens are world-renowned for their vibrant floral displays and heritage.

The park features a children's play area, an aviary, tennis courts, crazy golf, and a refreshment kiosk.

Near the Great Gate sits the "world's first internet bench”installed by Microsoft in 2001.

Lastly, A year of celebrations took place in 2022 to mark 1000 years since the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund in Bury St Edmunds by King Cnut. A year-long program of special tours, exhibitions, and a "light spectacular" made this the ideal time to experience the town's history.

Alice Alterio

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Called a ‘wooden O’ by Shakespeare, the historic original Globe Theatre was a 360° auditorium with no roof over the central yard, that opened in 1599 and was built by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the company that William Shakespeare wrote for and part-owned.

Shakespeare wrote for the original Globe Julius Caesar, As You Like It and made a start on Hamlet in 1599. Over the next fourteen years the famous playwright wrote some of his greatest plays, including Twelfth Night, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra.

In 1613, during a performance of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, a mis-fired prop canon caused the thatch roof to catch fire. The entire theatre burnt down within two hours, according to eyewitness reports.

Luckily no-one died and the company succeded in rebuilding the Globe in a year with a tiled roof. The second Globe operated until it was closed down by parliamentary decree in 1642.

In 1609 Shakespeare’s company started performing in the indoor Blackfriars playhouse as well as the Globe. It was here that Shakespeare conceived his final great plays, such as The Tempest.

The current Globe Theatre is, therefore, the third Globe, result of many years of campaigning by the founder of the Shakespeare’s Globe Trust, Sam Wanamaker.

As a matter of fact, in 1970 Sam set out to build a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe on Bankside. He founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust in 1971 with a mission to recreate the 1599 amphitheatre as accurately as he possibly could.

Despite many obstacles, Sam persevered with his ambition for two decades. Sadly, he died in 1993, before seeing the theatre’s completion that was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1997.

This open-air theatre, built from oak beams, lime-plaster walls and a water-reed thatched roof, is able to hold 1,570 people, 700 standing and the rest seated. Seats are arranged in galleries all around the wide, open stage, the audience has, in fact, always been a vital component of the performance.

Nowadays events in the current Globe go ahead in rain, shine and snow and audiences are advised to dress for the weather!

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The Tate Modern is the UK's national gallery of international modern and contemporary art, located in London on the Bankside of the Thames.

This museum is a major art gallery featuring works from 1900 to the present day, including masterpieces by artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol.

It wa founded by the Tate Trustees and led today by Director Maria Balshaw.

Located at Bankside in London, directly across the Millennium Bridge from St. Paul's Cathedral. It is housed in the former Bankside Power Station.

The gallery opened to the public on May 11, 2000. The original building was a power station built between 1947 and 1963 before being decommissioned in 1981.

It was created to provide a dedicated space for international modern art, as the original Tate Gallery (now Tate Britain) had outgrown its collection.

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Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks in London. Many people use the name “Big Ben” to describe the whole tower, but actually Big Ben is the name of the Great Bell inside the tower. The tower itself is officially called Elizabeth Tower. It is located next to the Palace of Westminster, where the British Parliament meets.

The tower was completed in 1859. It was built in a Gothic style and designed by the architect Augustus Pugin. The clock is famous for its accuracy and its beautiful design. Each of the four clock faces is about seven meters in diameter. The bell weighs more than 13 tons. When it rings, people all over central London can hear it clearly.

Big Ben is an important symbol of the United Kingdom and British democracy. It appears in many films, TV shows, and postcards. For example, it can be seen in movies like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The sound of the bell is also broadcast on radio, especially during important national events.

In recent years, the tower has undergone important restoration work to protect it and keep it safe for the future. Today, Big Ben continues to attract millions of tourists every year and remains one of the most recognized monuments in the world.

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English cuisine is often known for being really simple and traditional.

Many British dishes are warm and filling, especially because of the country’s cold and rainy climate. Here are some of the most famous English foods.

In the morning, many people enjoy a Full English Breakfast. This large meal usually includes eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and sometimes black pudding (popular on weekends). A simpler breakfast option is Beans on Toast, which is toasted bread topped with warm baked beans.

For lunch, people often choose something quick or typical from a pub. A famous example is the Cornish Pasty, a baked pastry filled with beef, potatoes, and vegetables. Another traditional dish is Steak and Kidney Pie, a savory pie filled with beef and kidney in a rich gravy. Many people also enjoy a baked potato with different toppings.

In the afternoon, there is the traditional tea time. During afternoon tea, people often eat sweets such as Eton Mess, made with strawberries, whipped cream, and meringue, or Sticky Toffee Pudding, a soft sponge cake served with warm toffee sauce.

For dinner, one of the most famous dishes is Fish and Chips, which consists of fried battered fish served with chips.

Another traditional meal is the Sunday Roast, which includes roast meat, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire Pudding.

Other popular dishes are Shepherd’s Pie, made with minced lamb and mashed potatoes, and Bangers and Mash, sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

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The White Tower and Norman Power

The story of the Tower of London begins in the 1070s with William the Conqueror. After winning the Battle of Hastings, he built the White Tower to demonstrate his power and to strike fear into the citizens of London. Built from white stone imported from France, it was the tallest building in London at the time and served as a massive fortress to protect the city from invaders.

A Notorious Place of Imprisonment

While it was originally a royal residence, the Tower is most famous for its dark history as a state prison. During the Tudor period, it held high-profile prisoners accused of treason. The most famous residents were King Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, both of whom were executed on the Tower Green. Another great mystery is the "Princes in the Tower"—two young royals who disappeared inside the fortress in 1483, sparking centuries of legends.

The Guardians: Beefeaters and Ravens

The Tower is guarded by the Yeoman Warders, popularly known as "Beefeaters." They have guarded the gates and the Crown Jewels for centuries. According to an ancient legend, at least six ravens must live at the Tower at all times; if they ever leave, the Tower and the British Kingdom will fall. To this day, the "Ravenmaster" takes care of these birds to ensure the safety of the realm.

The Tower Today: Heritage and History

Today, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Millions of visitors come every year to see the Crown Jewels, which are still used by the British Monarchy for coronations. Walking through the medieval corridors and looking at the historic armor, visitors can feel the weight of nearly 1,000 years of English history. It remains a powerful symbol of the UK’s transition from a medieval kingdom to a modern nation.

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The story of London began almost 2,000 years ago with the Romans. In the year 43 AD, the Roman army invaded Britain and searched for a strategic place to cross the River Thames. They built a bridge and started a settlement called Londinium. It quickly became the most important city in Britain because ships could easily bring goods from the rest of the Roman Empire.

Roman London was a busy place with a big market square, public baths, and beautiful temples. To stay safe, the Romans built a high stone wall around the city. Today, you can still find parts of this Roman Wall near the Tower of London. Even though the Romans left 1,600 years ago, the center of London is still in the same place they chose.

The Roman history of Bury St Edmunds is a bit different. While London was a giant city, Bury St Edmunds was likely a smaller settlement or a collection of villas. Some historians believe it was a Roman town called Villa Faustini. Even though the town is famous today for its medieval Abbey, archaeologists have found Roman coins and pottery in the area.

Both locations are linked by a famous story. In 60 AD, the British Queen Boudica led a great revolt against the Romans. Her army destroyed Londinium and traveled through the lands near Bury St Edmunds. After the war, the Romans rebuilt London to be even stronger and more modern than before.

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Tea and coffee are more than simple beverages in the United Kingdom: they represent two distinct cultural identities that reflect history, lifestyle, and social habits.

Although both drinks are widely consumed across the country, tea is often viewed as a symbol of British tradition, while coffee represents modernity and global influence. The contrast between tea culture and coffee culture offers an interesting insight into how British society has evolved over time.

Tea in Britain is typically black tea served with milk and sometimes sugar. Well-known brands such as Twinings and Yorkshire Tea are household names, reflecting the long-standing importance of tea in British homes. More than just a drink, tea often serves as a social tool. When someone experiences stress, sadness, or even happiness, the phrase “Let’s have a cup of tea” is a common response. It symbolizes comfort, care, and conversation. Offering tea to guests is also a traditional gesture of hospitality.

Tea culture is strongly connected to the home environment. Many people prepare tea in their kitchens, using kettles that boil water within minutes. Tea breaks are common in workplaces, schools, and construction sites alike. The act of making tea can be seen as a small ritual: boiling water, warming the cup, adding milk, all of which create a sense of familiarity and routine. In this way, tea represents stability and continuity in British life.

Coffee is often associated with productivity and a fast-paced lifestyle. Many professionals grab takeaway coffee during their morning commute or hold informal meetings in cafés. Students frequently use coffee shops as study spaces, working on laptops while enjoying lattes or cappuccinos. Unlike tea, which is often consumed privately at home, coffee is commonly enjoyed in public spaces. This gives coffee culture a more social and urban character.

The atmosphere surrounding tea and coffee also differs. Tea suggests warmth, relaxation, and tradition. It is linked to rainy afternoons, family gatherings, and quiet conversations. Coffee, on the other hand, suggests energy, ambition, and independence. It fits the image of busy city streets and modern work culture. Even the language reflects this difference: tea breaks imply rest, while coffee breaks often imply refueling before returning to work.

However, the distinction between tea and coffee culture is not absolute. Many British people drink both beverages depending on the time of day or their mood. Someone might begin the morning with coffee for energy and later switch to tea in the evening to relax.

Ultimately, tea remains deeply embedded in British heritage, symbolizing comfort, politeness, and tradition. Coffee, meanwhile, reflects globalization, innovation, and contemporary urban life. Together, tea and coffee illustrate the balance between past and present in the UK.

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Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the world’s third-oldest university and a global leader in academic excellence.

Located in the historic city of Cambridge, England, it is famous for its unique collegiate system, comprising 31 autonomous colleges and over 150 departments.

Cambridge is special because of its Colleges. There are 31 different colleges where students live and study. It’s not just one big campus; each college is like a small community. The most famous ones are Trinity College, King’s College, and St John’s College. In these colleges, students have "supervisions," which are lessons in very small groups with expert teachers.

The university is renowned for its rigorous research and has been home to some of history’s greatest minds, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking. To date, its affiliates have won an impressive 121 Nobel Prizes, more than any other single institution.

Beyond its academic prestige, Cambridge is celebrated for its stunning Gothic architecture—most notably the King’s College Chapel—and traditions like punting on the River Cam and the annual Boat Race against its rival, Oxford.

Today, it continues to rank among the top universities worldwide, driving innovation in science, technology, and the humanities.

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Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s most famous royal residences. It is the official London home and working headquarters of the British monarch and a symbol of the United Kingdom’s monarchy. It has been the central royal residence for almost 200 years and is known around the world for its architecture, traditions, and role in royal life.

The site where Buckingham Palace stands today was originally a large house called Buckingham House built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. This building was bought in 1762 by King George III for Queen Charlotte as a private family home and was called The Queen’s House. In the 1820s and 1830s, King George IV began transforming it into a large palace with help from architect John Nash, and further expansions were made in the mid-1800s. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live there officially when she came to the throne in 1837, making it the main royal residence in London.

Buckingham Palace is built in a neoclassical style with a long elegant front and grand proportions. The palace measures about 108 meters across the front, 120 meters deep, and has more than 77,000 square metres of floor area. Inside there are 775 rooms including 19 State Rooms used for ceremonies, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

Many of the rooms are richly decorated and filled with treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and fine art. There is a famous art gallery called the King’s Gallery that displays artworks from the royal collection and is open to the public at times. In addition, the palace contains features such as a swimming pool, a chapel, a cinema, and even its own post office, showing how it functions both as a home and as an administrative centre for royal duties.

Behind the palace stretches the Buckingham Palace Garden, the largest private garden in London, covering more than 39 acres. It includes a lake, tennis court, helicopter landing area, and many trees and wild plants. The garden is used for garden parties and official outdoor events for invited guests.

Buckingham Palace is not just a home, it is a working centre for royal ceremonies and state occasions. The Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the palace is a popular spectacle attended by visitors from around the world, and other events like Trooping the Colour and garden parties take place here too. In the summer months the State Rooms are open to the public so visitors can see the grandeur of the palace interior.

Eugenia Giugliano, Elettra Rosina, Viola Rusconi