Day 1 – first steps into a new world

A 3.00am airport start, but spirits were high as we arrived in Marrakech ready to explore! We visited the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, learning how religion shapes the city’s landscape, before diving into the vibrant souks – full of colour, spices, lanterns and brilliant bargaining skills on display.

A fantastic first day – more adventures to come!

Day 2 – from fold mountains to sand dunes

Today has been nothing short of spectacular!

We crossed the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, travelling through snow-capped peaks while learning about the powerful tectonic processes that created them through continental collision. Seeing fold mountains in real life is a far cry from the classroom diagrams!

We stopped for lunch in Ouarzazate, famously home to major film studios — students were amazed to hear how this desert-edge city has featured in huge Hollywood productions.

Now, the adventure continues… we’re on the coach heading towards the Sahara to meet our camels at Zagora! Soon, students will be trekking across the sand dunes, experiencing one of the world’s most iconic desert landscapes first-hand.

From snow-capped mountains to the edge of the Sahara — what a day! 

Day 3 – silence, sunrise and sustainability

An unforgettable start to the day – students woke early to watch the 7am sunrise over the Sahara dunes after a night camping under the stars. A truly special moment and one they won’t forget in a hurry.

After trekking by camel back to civilisation, we visited Tamegroute, where students toured the famous underground pottery workshops and learned about traditional ceramic-making techniques that have been passed down through generations.

We then stopped at the Tansikht Bridge junction to enjoy a buffet of traditional Moroccan food — a well-earned feast after a busy morning!

We also met a local farmer and toured his palmery, gaining insight into how date palms are cultivated in this arid environment and how oasis agriculture supports livelihoods in the desert.

Day 4 – heritage and enterprise

Another brilliant day packed with culture and landscapes!

Our first stop was the incredible Ait Benhaddou – a UNESCO-listed kasbah where students climbed to the top for stunning views across the valley. They were fascinated to learn how this historic settlement has featured in numerous famous films and TV series.

We then drove back through the spectacular Atlas Mountains to visit an argan oil cooperative in Taddert, where students were warmly welcomed with traditional bread and learned how argan oil is produced and its importance to the local economy.

To round off the day, we returned to the Marrakech souks for some final shopping – and to spend those last few dirhams!

Day 5 – perspective

We were really not sure what to expect from Day 5, as all we knew was that the tour company had arranged for us to spend the day in Douar Ouled Elguern Village. This is a very rural and traditional settlement. When we arrived, we had a second breakfast and some traditional Moroccan mint tea, before the girls split off into groups to help make bread, omelettes or tagine. Boys, as is traditional, helped to make bricks and charcoal. After completing their hard day’s work in the village, all the students came together to spend the afternoon playing with the children who lived in the village. For myself, as a teacher, this was the most powerful moment of the trip. It provided perspective – not through textbooks, but through lived experience. Students left with a deeper appreciation of opportunity, privilege and global inequality. Some chose to donate toys and their remaining spending money to the village pre-school – a small act of generosity that spoke volumes about their character.

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It has been a privilege to watch our students grow – not just as geographers, but as young adults. They demonstrated resilience, curiosity, kindness and cultural respect throughout.

My sincere thanks go to Miss McDonagh, Miss Shandulovska, Miss Frewin and Mr Dowie for giving up their half-term to support this experience. Their care and commitment made everything possible.

Most importantly, thank you to the students. You represented Greenshaw with maturity, humility and heart. You showed that being 'Committed to Excellence' is not just about academic success – it is about character. And that is something far more powerful than any photograph, souvenir or sunset.

Mr Barnes, Deputy Head of Geography and Trip Lead