May 26th, 2025

Julieta Castillo Stratta y Romina Morrone Vaucheret

In the month of April a delegation of thirty seven students from 8th grade and four teachers took part in a new edition of the ACE programme. ACE stands for ability in learning, competitive spirit and energy to succeed and these were all qualities required to ace ACE. 

Students were divided into two groups, one of them stayed at Cheltenham College and the other one at Rugby School. There, they met students from other countries such as Italy, Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, Spain and Czech Republic. Even though at first some interactions were difficult to establish due to cultural barriers, in the end it was a great experience for everyone involved and new bonds were created which continue up until today via online. 

The ACE programme is a combination of sightseeing tours and getting to know new places, together with classes which students attend almost every day. In this opportunity the academic programme was divided into two modules. Module 1 was about Artificial intelligence and well-being and module two was about community and commerce. 

In Module 1 students worked in groups developing an app that focused on different aspects of well-being powered by AI. After working very hard in their classes, they presented their apps to three judges, who made comments and suggestions, and then evaluated them and granted awards.

In Module 2 students created a product that could be sold (keychains, t-shirts, tote bags, food, etc) in order to help a local charity. The authorities of the programme chose two different charities, one from Cheltenham and another one from Rugby. At the end of this second module, both delegations got together to have an amazing fair, in which students were able to sell their products to the community. The money raised from that day went to the chosen charities and we even had the opportunity to get to meet Cheltenham’s mayor! It was a great experience. 

The programme ended with a major gala dinner where we had delicious food, a show from one of the managers, and the final winners were announced. Both delegations from Cheltenham and Rugby won different awards. We congratulate everyone on their hard work and perseverance! 

After the ACE programme ended, we enjoyed three very special days in London. There we took special guided tours, got to know the Natural History Museum and did a little shopping.

Now let’s hear from the protagonists themselves! Here are some comments some of the students made on this whole experience:

«I had the chance to participate in the ACE programme in England and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I travelled with a group of friends and we stayed at a boarding school, something that allowed us to experience British culture first hand and really improve my English skills. We visited amazing places such as London, Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham, Northampton, Silverstone and Cambridge. We also attended lessons at Rugby School. What I liked the most was making new friends from different countries and tasting typical food of the place. It is a trip that I will never forget». Alejo Prieto

«I really enjoyed the ACE program, we came back with a lot of new friends. In the two weeks we had time to practice our English by making friends, the lessons and also because that was the language we had to use to communicate with other people. I think the best part of the trip was the different excursions to other cities. During both weeks we were able to talk with new people from different countries and they taught us things about their countries and culture. Every night there was an activity and we all enjoyed these activities because after a long day studying, we could have fun. At the beginning, of course we missed our families a little bit but after some days when we got used to everything, it was alright.  I think it was the best trip of my life. The last few days we didn’t want to leave and had to say goodbye to all the wonderful people we had met. If I had the opportunity to go again I would say yes, this is a trip that you won’t forget». Clementina Sica

«I really enjoyed ACE, and I think it’s a great experience, you don’t only learn English and skills for life, but also about other people’s cultures. However, I think the most valuable thing from ACE are the friends I made and the experiences that will accompany me forever». Martina Reyes.