Last week a party of Clyde Valley senior pupils joined their counterparts from three other North Lanarkshire secondary schools for the return visit to Italy in the annual North Lanarkshire – Pistoia Exchange programme.

Sixth year pupils, Eilidh Smith, Lynsey Walker, Alex Murphy, Karen Perry, Donna Gourlay, Amy McDonald, Lucy Dundas, Ciara Owens and Sarah Thomson enjoyed the chance to visit the Sismondi and Pacinotti Institute in Pescia, Tuscany. Having hosted their Italian ‘twins’ during their visit to Scotland in September, the Clyde Valley students completed a busy programme, giving them a real taste of Italian culture and rich heritage.

Ian Sommerville, Head Teacher, and Elaine Osprey, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages, led the Clyde Valley group. Staff and pupils from Dalziel High School, Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell and St Maurice’s High School in Cumbernauld made up the North Lanarkshire party.

The Clyde Valley party began their adventure by being welcomed by the Region’s Senior Education Officer in Pescia Town Hall. They then visited their twin school, Sismondi and Pacinotti Instituto.

 The group’s exploration of Tuscany began with a day trip to Pisa, with many pupils taking the opportunity to climb to the top of the world famous Leaning Tower.

This was followed by another full day outing to the stunning city of Venice. Pupils enjoyed a ferry trip along the Venetian waterfront as they entered this most unique and beautiful of cities. The girls thoroughly enjoyed a trip around the world-famous canals by gondola.

They then enjoyed a visit to stunning, classical Florence. The pupils marvelled at the world-famous landmarks and stunning architecture. The pupils also enjoyed a day-trip to the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Everyone enjoyed sampling the markets, cafes, stylish shops and restaurants as they gained a real insight into typical Tuscan life.

The pupils were fortunate to enjoy warm, early spring sunshine most days. And, their one day of rain did not stop them walking around the lovely town of Pescia and neighbouring towns as they visited with their Italian twins.

As always during this fantastic exchange programme, the most significant insight into the Italian way of life was undoubtedly when the pupils did visit the homes of their Italian twins. The warmth and friendliness of the families to each Scot was overwhelming. And, once again, the emotional farewells at the end of the week were clear confirmation of the value of this highly successful exchange programme.

The Clyde Valley group records a special word of thanks to the Italian teachers who organised their week, and especially to Massimo Fontanelli, Cristina Brancoli and Giancarlo Pellegrineschi of the Sismondi and Pacinotti School.

Our pictures capture just some of the many places visited by the Clyde Valley students during their Tuscan adventure.