25 Performing Arts pupils from E-ACT North Birmingham Academy are going on the school trip of a lifetime to New York City, thanks to a unique partnership with PGL Beyond as part of an all-expenses paid journey.
The Sixth Form pupils will be heading to New York early next year, attending a Broadway play and experiencing a whole new continent in what is for many their first trip abroad.
Pupils had no idea the trip was in the works and were surprised by the shock announcement from their teachers yesterday.
The trip is possible thanks to the generosity of PGL Beyond, a Certified B Corporation™ and sector leader delivering transformational learning ‘beyond-the-classroom’ for nearly 70 years to more than half a million young people each year.
School, pupils, and the wider E-ACT trust worked tirelessly to raise a sizeable amount of money but were somewhat short of covering the trip of a lifetime. PGL Beyond then stepped in with match funding to make the trip possible.
The confirmation of the trip is the culmination of years of work by dedicated teachers at North Birmingham Academy who have been searching for ways to offer an amazing trip like this in a financially accessible way.
Paige, in Year 12, said: “The announcement was out of this world… it’s just so incredible. I have no words! I’m the most excited about seeing Hamilton.”
Paineton, in Year 12, said: “This opportunity means the whole world. Because of how much performing arts I do, to see where it all started, I just can’t wait.”
Sean Henderson, the drama teacher at North Birmingham Academy who has organised the trip and made it possible, commented:
“I’m delighted that we were finally able to come clean with our students and let them know they will all be heading to the Big Apple next year – totally for free.
“It will mean the world for our students to visit America, and as students of performing arts to see this playing out at the highest level on Broadway will be an unforgettable experience.
“The fact this trip has become a reality is a testament to our hard work as a school, and the generosity of PGL Beyond, along with donations from Phil and Pam Hobson, and IDE Systems that made this amazing opportunity possible. Our pupils can’t wait to go.”
Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond said:
“We’re driven by a vision where beyond-the-classroom experiences like this become a given for young people, not a privilege. Where every young person should be able to access this kind of transformational learning opportunity to unlock their potential and positively shape their futures.
When we heard what Sean at North Birmingham Academy was trying to do, we knew we wanted to help. We’re delighted to be playing our part in ensuring his pupils can access this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to see the transformational impact we know this trip to New York will have on them.”
