Our Form 7 pupils have enjoyed an unforgettable residential experience this week, packed with adventure, challenge and opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork. The trip began with an exciting visit to Cardiff White Water Centre, where pupils threw themselves into a range of activities, demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork and plenty of good humour. From there, the group travelled to the Brecon Beacons to begin their outdoor adventure.
Over the following days, pupils hiked across challenging terrain carrying their own equipment, set up and packed away camps, cooked meals together and spent nights under canvas. The demanding conditions tested their determination and perseverance, but the group consistently rose to every challenge, supporting one another and showing impressive resilience throughout.
A particular highlight was the gorge walking experience, where pupils tackled fast-flowing water, climbed waterfalls and braved freezing jumps, displaying courage and teamwork in abundance. Despite periods of heavy rain, spirits remained high as pupils reflected on their experiences, enjoyed time together in the bunkhouse and celebrated their achievements.
The residential has provided invaluable opportunities for pupils to develop independence, problem-solving skills and self-confidence, while creating lasting memories with their friends. We are incredibly proud of the maturity, determination and positive attitude shown by every member of Form 7 throughout this remarkable adventure. My thanks to Mr Cracknell and Mrs Telfer for taking the Form 7 children away and giving them such an unforgettable experience.
On the subject of residentials, this morning Form 3 had their assembly, where they gave us a presentation about their fabulous residential in Devon. A really informative, fun and confident assembly – and although Mr Cracknell missed it we know he would have been incredibly proud of his class.
This week Eli, Penelope D, Maddie, Form 3, Clara, Sonny and Baxter all received an Academic Excellence Award. Ewan, Will, Penelope G-F, Romeo, Form 4, Sonny, Baxter and Seb all received a Well Done certificate. Well done also to Oscar, Sophia, Felix, Rosa, Louis, Harry, Lottie and Sasha who did particularly well in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, and received their certificates today from Mr Butcher.
I also had great pleasure in presenting Seb with his medal from the IAPS National Swimming Finals at the London Aquatic Stadium. Mr Willemse was there to watch, and saw Seb swim in the same stadium as Olympic legends such as Adam Peaty and Michael Phelps. Seb took part in the 25m Freestyle race and recorded an excellent time, coming 7th overall and 2nd in the U11 age group. We are extremely proud of how hard Seb has worked to get ready for the event and congratulate him on his fantastic achievement!
This week Forms 5 and 6 and Form 8 have done some fantastic artwork – Forms 5 and 6 have completed their slab built character pots and Form 8 have finished their artistic responses to war poetry. Some really impressive work here, and a real display of our creativity school value.
On Thursday, our Form 6 pupils attended the Citizenship Workshop in Weymouth, where they took part in a range of engaging and informative sessions designed to help them stay safe and make responsible choices.
Throughout the day, pupils heard from a variety of emergency services and community organisations, including the Police, British Transport Police, Ambulance Service and Lifeguards. Topics covered included anti-social behaviour, railway safety, basic CPR and water safety. The sessions had a real impact on the children, who returned full of interesting facts and important safety messages. One particularly memorable statistic shared by the Railway Police was that a train can take the length of 20 football pitches to come to a complete stop. Pupils were also shocked to learn about the dangers posed by the 750-volt electrified rail, reinforcing the importance of railway safety. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to develop their understanding of personal safety, citizenship and the role of the emergency services, equipping them with knowledge and skills that could one day prove lifesaving.
This weekend, Form 8 will be flying off to Spain for their amazing residential in Alicante. This trip is a real rite of passage, and the children are so excited about their trip. We hope they all, along with Mrs Noyce and Mrs Thomasson, have the most fantastic adventure and we look forward to seeing all their photos!
Have a wonderful weekend!
David
