6.00 am is not the best time of day to assemble a group of 30 Year 12 and 13 Art, Textiles and Photography students to embark on a day trip to Paris and matters did not improve when we awoke to a severe weather warning, snow and ice on the ground and the possibility that the School might shut.  Add to this a Eurostar delay that saw us arrive in Paris three hours late and, like the conditions, the mood of the group can only be described as ‘frosty' as dawn broke.

Nevertheless, we persevered and despite the subzero temperatures on the streets of Paris, we walked from Gard du Nord across the Seine to the Musée d'Orsay to explore the masterpieces on display in this remarkable gallery. The Photographers shot what they could en route to the ‘inside out' Pompidou Centre, where by late afternoon the group were able to take a break for a bite to eat.

Although the planned itinerary had to be amended on the move, all who took part benefited from the experience and will have useful material with which to supplement their coursework submissions next term.