Eleven Photography and Art students have recently returned from a four-day study trip to the beautiful city of Venice. The group studied culture and architecture to enhance their creative portfolios for both GCSE and A' Level coursework.

Students stayed in the Mestre, which is on the main land and then travelled onto the main Venice island each day to take part in a variety of sightseeing and learning experiences. On the first day the group explored the main island, spent time at the famous St Marks Square and photographed St Marks Basilica.

On day two they visited Burano Island and Murano Island to photograph the canals and gondolas before returning to St Marks Square in the evening to experience classic cuisine and the vibrant atmosphere as groups of friends and families gather to share dinner.

In addition to gathering work for their own portfolio, students were also able to visit the controversial Damien Hirst exhibition, which is called "Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable'. This ambitious and complex project has received mixed reviews since it opened in Venice, so it was interesting for students to be able to view and debate the contemporary works for themselves.

The final day gave students the opportunity to go shopping in the city and round off their trip with a gondola ride.