Alloa Academy pupils jetted off for an educational, and fun, trip to the United States of America over their October holiday.

The senior modern studies pupils, along with teacher Gillian Freeland who organised the trip, took in the sights and learned about American politics. With the country being in the grips of a controversial Presidential election, there was no more an interesting time to learn about the country and its politics.

The pupils and staff first headed to New York where they saw the city from the top of the Empire State Building and visited the Statue of Liberty. A particular highlight of the Big Apple was the 9/11 museum commemorating the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre 15 years ago.

While in the capital, Washington DC, the group paid a visit to the White House.

Among other attractions they took in the Lincoln Memorial. While there they saw a helicopter come to collect President Barack Obama and fly past the Washington Monument which was a very exciting and memorable moment.

Gillian said: “The kids had a great time and the weather was excellent. Pupils said it was a real eye opener and they learned a lot from the trip.”

The pupils got a number of opportunities to speak with the tour guides and discuss the upcoming election at the same time as taking in the sites of the UN building and a trip to the Library of Congress.

The two places they visited, New York and Washington, were very different and let the kids see two different sides of the country.

Gillian added: “The two places were in complete contrast. New York was just really busy while Washington D.C, although they're getting ready for the election, was a lot quieter and we could wander around more.”

The trip is something the school would like to do again, but it will likely be at least two years until it can be repeated.