King’s Academy Easthampstead Park is proud to continue its partnership with Challenges Abroad and the FutureSense Foundation, providing students with life-changing opportunities to volunteer and immerse themselves in communities around the world. Following successful expeditions to Cambodia (2022), Northern Thailand (2023), and Panama (2024), this summer saw our Sixth Form students embark on an unforgettable 15-day adventure to Peru.

Based in the Sacred Valley, students worked closely with local children at a rural school in Pongobamba, situated 3,800 metres above sea level near Lake Piuray. They planned and delivered a variety of lessons and activities, building strong relationships and gaining first-hand insight into education in a different cultural setting.

A major highlight of the trip was a challenging and rewarding trek through the Andes, including a climb up the renowned Salkantay Mountain—a physically demanding experience that tested endurance, teamwork, and resilience. The group was rewarded with breathtaking views and a true sense of achievement.

Throughout the trip, students also took part in environmental and community projects, including tree planting and sustainability-focused work, reinforcing the values of global citizenship and social responsibility.

Experiences like Peru 2025 help develop independence, leadership, empathy, and cultural awareness—skills that extend well beyond the classroom and align closely with our commitment to “Opportunity and Success on a Global Stage.”

We are immensely proud of all students who took part, and grateful to the staff who supported them. Their dedication, curiosity, and compassion were evident throughout, and they return with memories—and lessons—that will last a lifetime.

Looking ahead, our global programme continues to grow. In 2024–2025, students will have the opportunity to take part in international trips to Germany and Spain, alongside other cultural and development experiences planned for KS3, KS4, and Sixth Form.    

In 2024 we welcomed 12 pupils from Zhangjiagang No1 Middle School. Each student had a buddy from KAEP who showed them round, took them to lessons, and fully immersed them in life at KAEP. They also went on trips to Windsor, and of course out for a traditional English roast dinner!

Every Year our MFL students have the opportunity to travel to the Christmas markets in Germany. Its a very popular trip, and everyone that goes says how amazing it is!

Our Year 8 students enjoyed a memorable MFL trip to Germany in December, making the most of every opportunity to explore, learn and immerse themselves in the culture. From discovering the magical Christmas markets in Cologne to sampling traditional foods and practising their German language skills, students embraced the festive atmosphere with enthusiasm.

Highlights included ice skating and, for the more adventurous, climbing the 533 steps to the top of Cologne Cathedral for spectacular views across the city. At dusk, the group visited the Cologne Triangle, where they enjoyed breathtaking 360° panoramic views.

On the Monday, students stopped in the beautiful city of Bruges for further sightseeing, shopping and cultural experiences before heading home.

We commend all of our Year 8 students for their excellent, respectful and considerate behaviour throughout the trip — they were a real credit to themselves and to the school.

Well done, Year 8 — Frohe Weihnachten!

In December, our KAEP6 students arranged a cultural day, where our sixth form students could dress in their national dress, and bring in delicious food from theirs or their families country of origin. It was a bright, colourful, and tasty day with students discovering so much about others backgrounds. A roaring success all round

In February, our Sixth Form students at KAEP proudly celebrated Culture Day, showcasing the rich diversity within our school community. Students wore clothing that represented their cultures and heritage — from beautiful traditional dress to modern expressions, such as football shirts connected to their roots.

The celebration also featured an impressive selection of food, with students bringing dishes traditionally prepared in the countries of their ancestors. It was a wonderful opportunity to share stories, traditions and experiences, and to deepen understanding of one another’s backgrounds.

We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form students for embracing and celebrating diversity, and for making Culture Day such a meaningful and memorable event for all involved.

Each year our hospitality and catering students visit St Omer. This trip is jam packed with activities, including  a visit to the cider farm where they learnt about biodiversity and how to make apple juice, baking French bread (and of course tasting pastries), trying escargot, making tarte sucrose, and a quick nip over to Bruges for a chocolate making workshop.