Year 4
Year 4 spent a wonderful week immersed in outdoor learning activities, set to the backdrop of the stunning Dorset countryside and coastline. The children enjoyed a range of activities including raft building, high ropes courses, beach games and the ultimate water park. Despite a few days of rain, spirits were certainly not dampened and morale remained high. Teachers and instructors were impressed by how well the children worked together in team tasks; old friendships grew stronger whilst new friendships were forged and blossomed. The sun did finally appear and what a way to end the week! Taken back in time to a bygone era by a glorious steam train, the children arrived at Corfe Castle and were treated to a Horrible Histories style tour. Truly exhausted by the end of the week, we can confidently say that much fun was had, lessons learned and unforgettable magical moments are now etched in memories for years to come.
Year 5
We departed at 5.30am after last hugs and tears, mainly of happiness from parents that had 4 days of peace and quiet ahead, reaching Caen without incident at 3pm French time. The museum and talk at Pegasus Bridge, the starting point for the D-Day operations, really set the scene for the week. Although we had been on the move for over 12 hours the children were excellent and listened and contributed very well. After a short drive to the Chateau and the first of countless baguettes, we enjoyed some free time and settled into rooms. Bayeux is a charming and picturesque town with market, tapestry and cathedral. We enjoyed a morning exploring and spending vast amounts of money on souvenir items, many of which did not survive beyond lunchtime. The audio guided tour of the tapestry is excellent and brought to life what we had learnt at school on Monday. The goat farm provided a change from historical venues and the kids enjoyed stroking the kids and tasting a variety of cheese. Maisy Battery is a recently unearthed German fortification a few miles inland from the beaches. It is owned by a very enthusiastic young man and his father who entertained us with stories of its role in the war and, more recently, its role in blowing up the local farmers and their animals with hitherto unexploded ordnance. The 360 cinema film at Arromanches leaves no doubt as to the scale of the D-Day operation and the terrible losses incurred on the beaches. We had a talk from a fascinating local guide who added other interesting details and showed us the remains of the Mulberry Harbour. The American Cemetery is soberingly beautiful and contains nearly 10,000 graves, a few of which a guide talked to us about. The children behaved with a maturity well beyond their years and really seemed to take on board, and understand, the weight of history and level of sacrifice made. We were lucky enough to take part in a mock ceremony that involved putting Omaha Beach sand into an engraved name, similar to that carried out by relatives of the deceased visiting the cemetery. We finished the week with a lovely afternoon of games and paddling on Omaha Beach before returning to the Chateau to pack, have a BBQ and the much anticipated disco. After another early start, and the ubiquitous packed baguettes, we arrived safely back to school, tired but happy. It was an excellent week; the children had a fantastic time and were a real credit to the school and to their parents. Many thanks indeed to all of the staff that joined us, their enthusiasm made the week what it was.
Year 6
On Monday Year 6 set sail from Southampton for the IOW. Arriving in Cowes in glorious sunshine we had a short walk to UKSA. The children were soon in wetsuits, playing team games and getting to know the instructors. Each morning started with a full English breakfast, fruit and cereals- the food was a big hit.
Throughout the week the children took part in kayaking, dinghy sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and learning to sail a keel boat. A full set of evening activities included human board games, orienteering, crabbing, beach games and a celebratory disco.
There were a lot of highlights from this trip, and now the pupils have recovered from a fun and busy week. I am sure most of the stories told to parents were how they pushed their teachers off of their kayaks!
Year 7
Year 7 spent an exciting five days camping in Dorset. Despite the occasional rain shower, we all had an amazing time trying new and adventurous activities. These included coasteering, bushcraft skills, woodland walks and a mud run. One particular highlight was eating fish and chips in Swanage followed by some very successful mackerel fishing. In the evenings, we spent time playing group sports and sitting around the campfire. We all had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you to all the staff who accompanied Year 7 on the trip.
Year 8
On Sunday 16 June, the 2019 Leavers said Arrivederci to England and set off for the beautiful town of Ponte di Legno in the Italian Alps. Fuelled by some fabulous Italian hospitality, and the occasional ice cream, the children enjoyed a week of walking, climbing, swimming, cycling and the odd snow ball fight!! This was a well-earned opportunity for Year 8 to relax and spend time together prior to setting off for pastures new in September. The week was an unqualified success and a fitting trip on which to end their time at Danes Hill.