There is nothing better than a few days in Florence at the end of the Autumn Term to shake off the cobwebs, colds and any other bugs so often a symptom of a long and tiring term for both pupils and teachers! 

However it was not entirely fun and games as a busy History of Art schedule was followed for gaining a better understanding and familiarity with works of art studied for both the AS Unit 2 and A2 Unit 5 History of Art syllabuses. First hand knowledge of works of art are a unique and valuable way in which to recall paintings, sculpture and buildings providing information on scale, technique, colour and detailing often lacking in books or misleading in slides.

In order to maximise on opportunities, important galleries and sites were visited such as the famous Uffizi Gallery for 15c paintings which included Botticelli's Primavera, the Bargello for sculpture, the Academia for a first hand sighting of Michelangelo's giant marble statue of David, Fra Angelico's frescoes in the monastery of San Marco to name but a few.

Out of study hours the San Lorenzo market became a favourite haunt where beautiful leather, silk, wool and jewellery items could be bargained for, best pizzas and gelati could be consumed and the general atmosphere of Florence's medieval streets stylishly decked out for Christmas would leave a lasting impression. A walk down the Via Tornabuoni starting with Tiffany &Co and ending with Hermes (or was it Gucci?) was a real feast for the eyes.

The two birthdays of Alice and Mr Goodwin were celebrated on our last vening with chocolate cake and tiramisu and a farewell to Florence had to be made the following day when first time visitors planned to return in the not too distant future for more than just a glimpse.