It has been an incredible season of global learning for the LEO Academy Trust! Following the success of our other international adventures, we are thrilled to celebrate the phenomenal experiences our students have had through the Turing Scheme. We are incredibly proud to highlight the unforgettable residential trips to California, USA, and Denmark, which concludes a series of trips we have been able to offer our LEO children this year.

California: A Hub of Innovation and Educational Practice

In May 2026, a cohort of our pupils travelled to California to immerse themselves in one of the most technologically advanced regions on the planet. Accompanied by a dedicated staff team, the trip seamlessly blended cultural exploration with deep dives into innovation and modern educational practice. Highlights included:

Silicon Valley Immersion: Students visited the Google Chrome Experience Centre in San Jose and toured the iconic Google HQ (Googleplex) in Mountain View.  

The Future of Tech: The group received an exclusive presentation from the Google for Education US Team, including insights into Google's AI. A group of children also presented to the Google Team, highlighting LEO’s journey with Google for Education. They even experienced the future of transport firsthand by taking a ride in a driverless taxi. 

Global Educational Exchange: After spending all year writing to their pen pals, the children finally got the chance to meet them in person during a full-day visit to Oak Avenue Elementary School, where they enjoyed comparing the education systems in the US and the UK. Pupils also toured Mountain View High School, where they actively participated in a music lesson alongside local students.

Denmark: A Global Center for Creativity and Play-Based Learning

Following the USA visit, our June 2026 cohort jetted off to Billund in Denmark, the home of the brick, renowned for its creativity and play-based learning. This ongoing adventure provided another incredible avenue for our students to develop as global citizens, blending cultural immersion with hands-on innovation. Here are some of the highlights - 

Taking the Stage at LEGO HQ

The absolute pinnacle of this trip was an incredible opportunity for our students to lead a presentation alongside LEGO Education. A team of our brilliant pupils took center stage at LEGO HQ to share their firsthand experiences. They had the incredible honor of presenting in front of Andrew Sliwinski, Vice President and Head of Product Experience, as well as other important members of the LEGO team. They confidently presented what they have discovered through using tools like LEGO Education SPIKE Essential , SPIKE Prime , and LEGO Science. Excitingly, they also showcased LEO's aspirational AI curriculum, highlighting how they are starting to use the new LEGO Computer Science & AI kits to learn about how AI works. The children did a phenomenal job explaining how these kits allow them to focus on vital skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaborative teamwork, and interactive learning.

During their time at LEGO, the LEGO team also spoke to the children about all the different careers that are available within the LEGO Group, inspiring our pupils to think big about their futures.  Beyond this fantastic presentation, the students enjoyed a truly action-packed itinerary:

The Home of the Brick: The cohort explored the LEGO House, enjoying interactive exhibits and workshops where they could build, code, and bring their creations to life. They also visited the Idea House to dive into LEGO's rich history, products, and culture.  

Danish Educational Exchange: To truly understand local culture, the children spent a day at Billund Skolen Primary School. They enjoyed a school tour, participated in activities with Grade 5 students and held a Q&A session, giving them a wonderful opportunity to experience the Danish education system firsthand.

Thrills and Wildlife: The adventure continued with a full-day visit to LEGOLAND Billund Resort to experience the rides and explore Miniland. The group also took their own bus through Givskud Zoo to get up close to animals from all over the world and explored WOW Park Billund, enjoying 40 hectares of outdoor fun featuring treetop climbing and trampolines.  

Tropical Evenings: After busy days, the children relaxed at their accommodation in Lalandia, a tropical holiday centre. They had full access to the Lalandia Aquadome—Scandinavia's largest waterpark.

Whether exploring the cutting-edge innovation of Silicon Valley or presenting to executives at LEGO HQ, these Turing Scheme adventures have truly broadened our students' horizons. We are exceptionally proud of our pupils for being such fantastic global ambassadors, and we cannot wait to see how these once-in-a-lifetime experiences inspire their bright futures!