Bronze D of E Reports

A few comments from last week

"This expedition was a really memorable experience for us. On the first day, we thought we can’t complete the whole expedition because we thought this was too tough for us. Although we knew it is hard, but we didn’t think of giving up. We tried our best and kept on walking step by step, no short cut, no cheating, from the start and walked to the end.

On the first day to the campsite, we got lost for a while but we picked up quickly to correct our mistake and we kept going.  On the second day, we were totally lost but we didn’t think of blinding anyone, we helped each other out. We shared jokes to cheers others up.

Finally, we’ve done the whole expedition. Although we have climbed a double height, we have walked 3 extra miles that we shouldn’t climb and walk, but we all enjoyed the time.  We have done a job which we thought we can’t and this was amazing. This was something that we couldn't complete by one person but we can complete by a group. This is why team spirit is important in an expedition like DofE".

Terrence Wong (Year 10)

"We have had a great yet tough week. It was really a challenge for us, not only because of the expedition, but also the preparation and the stay in white works. There were quite a lot of hard work living with 30 people, especially when there is not enough beds and just one shower! But we did enjoy most of the activities. The meals were so good as well, each group had in charge at least one meal, everyone of us did share the duty of looking after the house. We were so proud of ourselves that we made through the whole week. To relax ourselves from the tough walk, we shared cakes made by ourselves and have some music as entertainment. On the last day, we even went to the swimming pool~ The past week was just so amazing!!"

Nicolette Chan (Year 10)

End of Activities week

 

Today on the 5th day of activities week, all Year 8 students went to Quay West for some fun on the flumes, year 9 and Year 7continued rotating through the activities on offer. The D of E Bronze group had a relaxing swim after their expedition yesterday.

Activities Week Day 4

 

Another batch of activities going on with years 7 and 8 swapping between the range we have on offer and year 7's went to Paington Zoo.

Well done to the Bronze D of E students who completed their qualifying Expedition on Exmoor earlier today.

Activities Week Day 3

Students all out doing similar activities to Monday, we are half way through the week now and all students are having a good time.

"Today I went kayaking, it was really good even though I got wet feet and the rest of me got wet aswell". Harry (Year 9)

"Coasteering scores 8/10. You lose 1 point because the water was cold and another point because of the jelly fish getting in the way" (Year 8 student)

Activities Week Day 2

Today all the students were out doing different activities to what they did yesterday. The year 7's had the added bonus of some orienteering.

Well done to the 25 Year 10 students who have completed the Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme.

Activities Week Day 1

On Day 1 of Actvities week over 200 students jumped on one of the 22 minibuses and headed off for some adventure, Year 7 students undertook some activities on school site before going off to the ski slope, Year 8 students went Coasteering, Trail Cycling, visited Landmatters and learnt some bushcraft skills. Year 9 students went Caving, Windsurfing, Sailing, Kayaking, Trail Cycling and visted the Aquarium. Year 10 students were out on Art visits, CCF Camp and Bronze D of E expeditions.

NNAS Providers

We are now able to offer the Bronze and Silver National Navigation Award Scheme. This will run alongside our Ten Tors and D of E Programmes to allow students to gain certificates in recognition of their nevigation ability.

School Wall gets an upgrade.

Mr Jackson drilling new bolt holes.

A lot of brick dust comes out of 40+ holes!

Getting the top 3 holes drilled above the reach of the ladder was the most difficult bit.

Over the Half-Term Mr Jackson came into school to do some much needed upgrading work to the climbing wall.

After a very gratefully received grant from the Parents' Association we will soon be adding bolt-on holds to the original structure.

Drilling the bolt holes for these was ridiculously noisy, so Mr Jackson came in over half term to get it done.

The next job is to glue in the inserts which we can then screw holds onto.



New Sea Kayaks arrive



Our new fleet of 6 Northshore Atlantic Sea Kayaks arrived today. They were supplied by our local retailer Kayaks and Paddles near Ivybridge along with all the paddles, bouyancy aids and other bits we need.

Hopefully we will be out in them soon