American dream

Year 12 students wake up in the city that doesn’t sleep 

Claremont High School has long been a gateway to great things – good grades, university places, not to mention lifelong friendships – but thanks to Ms Mepani, sixth-form students have discovered that the Maths Department can be a passport to a whole new world, or at least a city: New York. 

From 8th to 13th February 2025, Ms Mepani led the Year 12s on a fun-filled tour of ‘The Big Apple’, with a visit to the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) at its juicy core. The itinerary alone truly makes your mouth water! The trip took in all the sights and sounds NY has to offer, from the Statue of Liberty to a Broadway show. Just how did they manage to fit in all in? 

‘Our New York trip was an unforgettable adventure!’ says Ms Mepani. ‘Over four jam-packed days, our students embraced every moment.’ They certainly did. Highlights included: a cruise to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty; a walking tour of the Financial District; a visit to the 9/11 Memorial; viewing the New York skyline from the ‘Edge’ observatory; walking the ‘High Line’ park; ice-skating in Central Park; and seeing SIX the musical on Broadway. Oh, and eating and shopping! 

‘New York was such a fever dream,’ says Shiony Halai, ‘I will remember this trip forever. The views and people were amazing. Like every sign in the city says, “New York or nowhere!”.’ Zainab Kadhim agrees that it was a ‘life-changing experience - I’d do it again a hundred times’. The sights and sensations clearly made a lasting impression on everyone. ‘The highlight was definitely seeing the NYC skyline from Hudson Yards,’ recalls Ahaan Saraf. ‘Also, seeing New York in the snow was a magical, once-in-a lifetime opportunity.’  

For many in the group, though, the best part was sharing the experience with their classmates. ‘As fun as the trip was,’ admits Elyssa Fernandez, ‘my friends were the ones who made it amazing. We got to live our American dream!’ Asher Siddiqui agrees: ‘We had such an amazing time and the trip made us all into a little community.’ 

Ms Mepani was clearly very pleased by the trip and her pupils, who did themselves and the school proud: ‘From the bright lights of Times Square to watching the Super Bowl at the Hard Rock Café and walking the Brooklyn Bridge, they took it all in! The students grew more confident navigating the subway and, ultimately, had an incredible time filled with sightseeing, learning and memories to last a lifetime.’ 

So if you want to be a part of it, grab your Claremont passport and get ready… You’re leaving today for great things!