Year 12 and 13 English Literature students had a fantastic day in London, learning about Othello and The Great Gatsby from a brilliant range of lecturers. From Oxford scholars to American academics, and from page to stage, it was an enriching experience for everyone involved.

During a workshop led by Nick Hutchison, theatre director and actor from the Globe, volunteers were invited to read an extract from Othello. Lila H was chosen to step onto the stage and delivered Desdemona’s lines with real gusto, doing Coombe Dean proud.

Here is one of our students’ reflections on what turned out to be a very long, but truly wonderful, day!

Monday, 24th November 2025 marked a special day for A-Level English Literature at Coombe Dean... The much awaited trip to Westminster for Education in Action! Students attended a jam-packed day of lectures from leading experts, providing entertainment, education, and most importantly, fun. 

The day started with a gruelling 3:45am start. We then met with the amazing students of Ivybridge, and we were on the road. 

Fuelled on a service station breakfast and a quick nap on the coach, our studious post-16 were enthralled by lecturers from the Universities of Oxford and London to name but two. Students were also advised by a top examiner so they could put their newfound knowledge into action. All left with transformed perspectives on their texts. One of our year 13s even participated in a brief performance as Desdemona in an unrehearsed scene with an actor and director from The Globe!  

The day concluded with a poetry reading from esteemed poet laureate Simon Armitage, who many students will be familiar with from their GCSE study. This day was truly a highlight of the Post-16 calendar, and we are very grateful to Mrs Wenmoth and Miss Snow for organising the trip.  (Lila Hitchcock)