The Strictly Jane Austen Project Week brought England to life through the eyes of beloved author Jane Austen, taking students to Bath, Lacock, Stonehenge, Hampshire, and Winchester. Upper School Latin teachers Sarah Landis and Elissabeth Legendre meticulously crafted each day’s itinerary, which included a Jane Austen walking and dance tour and visits to Roman Baths and Frankenstein’s home.

In anticipation of the trip, the teachers assigned each student to read a Jane Austen book and watch a Jane Austen film in preparation for the flight to England. We used our previous knowledge of our assigned books to actively engage and understand more about Austen’s youth and writing.

Immediately after our arrival, we visited Stonehenge, the historical landmark, both to immerse ourselves in English culture and to battle the five-hour jet lag. We continued our day in Bath, adventuring throughout the time and learning about historic places, specifically in Austen’s life, like the market she attended and her neighborhood.

A typical day consisted of a tour or workshop surrounding Jane Austen, the Regency era, or an iconic landmark or location in England. The most discussed workshop was the dance workshop, as we spent 90 minutes of our morning learning dances featured in Jane Austen films and the expectations of each dance (never dance with the same person twice in one night or face being the “talk of the town”). While dancing was a group favorite, we also focused on letter writing, creative writing, and Regency era clothing options.

Following Jane Austen mornings, we spent many afternoons exploring the town of that day and trying various cuisines. We immersed ourselves in the culture of each town and ended our nights with bonding time in the hotel, often spending late nights confiding in friends, embroidering, or playing Jane Austen bingo.

The week of adventures allowed for a deeper appreciation of Austen’s literature and an understanding of Regency expectations. Ms. Legendre and Ms. Landis’s dedication to the trip ensured a seamless and impactful experience, fostering growth as readers, writers, and travelers for all 18 students.