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Year 6 residential to Kingswood
Day 1 - The long expected journey.
Today, Falcons ventured from Newport Primary to Kingswood for their Year 6 residential. After stopping for lunch the explorers were challenged by stand-still traffic for half an hour. Once able to take a detour, the excited class were able to arrive at their destination just after 14:00.
Upon arrival, they were happy to be allocated their rooms and groups, and flung themselves into the bed making task before a first room inspection. The first sequence of inspections resulted in scores between 6 to 8.5 out of 10. It was great to see that the school's values of being respectful, responsible and working together were exhibited throughout the first day. All were happy with their room allocations.
Then commenced the guided tour, where Falcon class were surprised by the size of the site and areas. Newport's high standards were on show and stood out amongst other schools.
Group 1 then completed caving, while group 2 completed multiple problem solving challenges. The cavers enjoyed getting muddy and working collaboratively in the tight and dark space - I am certain some parents will be more than happy to teach their children how to remove stains on their return.
Above ground, group 2 worked to move tires, traverse crocodile infested waters and conquer a giants spiders web. Those who are usually quieter members of the class really stepped up, sharing their problem solving solutions and becoming leaders.
Before dinner, the whole group sat down and considered what they wanted to get out of the week and expressed any worries to the activity leaders. Falcons were very respectful of each others views at this time.
A room inspection before dinner saw scores increase, ranging from 7 to an amazing 9.5. Attention to detail was a clear focus for inspectors.
All of Falcon class ate plenty of dinner. Pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza and vegetarian (peppers on pizzas) were consumed alongside wedges, salad and countless oranges and apples. Ice-cream went down a treat after a hot days activities.
To conclude their first day, Year 6 tackled a quiz, learning more about Sir Isaac Newton, tigers and who sung famous Disney songs.
I am pleased to say everyone was in bed and lights out by 21:00. By 21:30 only one room needed reminding to settle and sleep. At the time of typing this (at 22:18) all are asleep.
It has been a great first day; however, I (Mr Harwood) must admit to leaving the cable for our iPad at school. As a result, I will be unable to upload the photos from it until either the cable arrives, or we are back at school. I can only apologise for this monumental error and hope you can all forgive me for such a crime.
Falcon class have been outstanding so far. All the adults have been proud of how they have conducted themselves and we are excited to see what tomorrow brings.
The 07:00 wake up call awaits us in the morning.
Day 2
This morning everyone got up and showered ready to start an exciting day of activities.
Breakfast was a fry up with choices of bacon sausages hash browns scrambled egg and baked beans as well as cereals toast and fruit too. Everyone ate a good breakfast.
Group 6 started the day with aero ball - a game of bouncing on trampolines while shooting balls into hoops. They all worked well in teams to get the best score. We moved on to jacobs ladder next. The children got into there harnesses and helmets helping each other to adjust and tighten them whilst also reassuring those who felt a little nervous.
They all showed resilience as they took on the task. They used teamwork and great communication to help each other in pairs up the ladder.
When they weren’t climbing the ladder they were holding the ropes working as a team to keep there class friends safe.
We finished off the morning all together with some group games. Learning more about each other and a game of splat (which is a firm favourite it seems).
Lunch was a choice of wraps and baguettes, salad , crisps and fruit.
Team 6 went off to bush fire lighting and successfully managed to start there own fires using resources from around the grounds. Showing maturity and understanding of the dangers of fire.
We then headed for the climbing wall. All the children showed amazing support for each other clapping when someone had completed it and being on the ropes to support.
Both groups completed a scavenger hunt before heading to dinner this evening.
Chicken fajitas, rice, salad and jam doughnuts, fruit for dessert.
After dinner it was a scrap heap challenge for all. Using recycling to create outfits for a catwalk. We had some amazing ideas and designs.
Everyone was tucked up in bed by 9pm and quiet ready for a fun packed day tomorrow.
Team 5 had a great start to their day getting involved in Frisbee golf, creating their own games and playing the Ultimate Frisbee game finishing up 1:1.
With time to refresh water bottles, team 5 headed straight into buggy build where we saw brilliant use of teamwork tamwar skills as they split into two teams and were challenged with building buggies out of three items, barrels, logs and ropes. Each buggy had to complete one lap of the track whilst balancing a bucket of water.
Both buggies had its strengths and weaknesses but the boys buggy were crowned champions making it round the track with just a splash of water.
After lunch team 5 headed to low ropes, starting with ‘trust’ games (falling backwards into each others arms) followed by teams making there way round the low ropes course, supported by their teams mates whilst balancing an egg on a wooden spoon. Luckily they were wooden eggs, had they not have been I can safely say eggs would not be on the breakfast menu!
Day 3
Falcon class spent the morning on West Runton beach. It was delightful to see them all working together to build the most epic sandcastle fort with over 70 sand castles built, a moat, bridges, tunnels, decorations and look out points. As the tide came in the moat filled up and Falcon class worked as hard as they could to save the castle but the tide won and all that remained were a few rocks. Two minutes of silence was held with a honours salut to reflect on what had been achieved with the parting words from our party leader of “ding dong the castle is gone”! Beach football and paddling at the waters edge was also a big hit.
Mr Want quickly became the ‘favourite’ adult bringing everyone an orange calipo to enjoy.
Thank you Mr Want.
Heading back to base and a swift change out of some soggy, sandy clothes Falcon class took part in a game of rounders out on the field over looking the sea, a beautiful setting.
After another filling lunch the whole of Falcon class made their way to the Zip wire, an activity many of the children have been really excited for. Harnessed up and helmets on, one by one they climbed the tower. Finding the courage to step off the ledge they whizzed by cheered on by their class mates.
Team 5 then made there way to Jacobs ladder where we got to witness some of the best team work of team 5 so far this week. Not only did they offer lots of words of encouragement to one another, they had a huge responsibility of keeping each other safe, holding the guide ropes for each climber (of course under very close supervision).
Team 6 showed true courage as we took part in the leap of faith climbing up the tall pole and standing on the platform before jumping to reach the trapeze.
They all showed amazing amounts of courage and resilience. pushing there own goals and feeling proud of there achievements. They Took time to compose themselves when needed and the whole team worked together to cheer each other on with words of encouragement.
Watching the children grow in confidence as the week progresses and the challenges continue is truly something to see.
Before dinner, Falcon class came together again for ‘Environmental Art’, where they used nature to create artistic pieces. They were challenged to design a Kingswood activity and imaginations went wild. A wobble bridge made out of sticks with a pinecone to represent the person was created, a double zip wire onto an inflatable slide into a ball pit made from sticks, long pieces of grass and leaves and human dominoes made out of sticks and stones. The children worked brilliantly together, showed real focus and creativity.
After a hearty plate of burgers and chips for dinner, a highlight of the week so far took place this evening as the children all sat round the campfire and took part in songs, stand up comedy and shared some of their interesting facts. There was lots of lovely laughter and groans (there was some terrible jokes!), and it was great to see such confidence as they stood in front of the class with a wooden stick microphone and attempted to entertain one another.
As the night started to draw in, they finished the session sat round the camp fire sipping hot chocolate, a perfect way to end the day before bedtime.
As I write this everyone is tucked up in bed awaiting tomorrows adventure to start.
Day 4
Well what an adventurous last full day for Falcon class.
As a thunderstorm passed over night we woke to pouring rain, but that could not dampen our spirits. After another hearty cooked breakfast, we grabbed our hats and waterproofs and with a spring in our step we headed out for our morning activities.
Team 5 possibly had the biggest challenge as they took part in bush craft fire lighting. A difficult task when the weather is on your side, even tricker in the rain. Falcons would not be defeated, they collected kindling and wood and all took turns practicing using a flint and steel to create a spark. With much perseverance a fire was lit and ‘Da Mouse’ (now a firm favourite song) was sang and danced around the fire (at a safe distance).
Team 5’s next activity took them to the tower where they faced the climbing wall.
The Falcons demonstrated excellent co-ordination, stamina and determination, whilst learning basic climbing skills and techniques as they navigated their way up the wall. Luckily the rain had stopped and the clouds started to peel back to reveal blue skies and a promise of sunshine for our afternoon activities.
After refuelling on baguettes and salad for lunch, Team 5 made there way to Aeroball, where the trampoline is split into four chambers, each of the players aim is to score as many goals as they can by bouncing on the trampoline and aiming for the goal in the opposite chamber. It’s a physically demanding game but so much fun!
Group 6 started the day with low ropes.
Working in small groups to direct someone blind folded to collect cones off the floor.
Practicing trust falls with each other and then learning how to spot ( this is when you stand either side of your team mate and support them on the equipment so they don’t fall)
They all used fantastic communication skills supporting each other to complete the course.
Team 6 then moved on to caving. They had helmets and a head torch each. They showed so much courage entering the dark and damp tunnels following each other and supporting those who didn’t like the dark or small spaces. Everyone completed the activity and a number of children said it was there favourite so far!
We all came together before lunch to complete initiative tasks.
Trying to untangle themselves when 2 people were joined by the hands with ropes.
They worked in small groups to flip over a tarpaulin while standing on it and finished with working out some catch phrases.
After our filling lunch Team 6 had fun working out how to make there own vehicle. Learning to tie ropes in different ways and working as a team listening to each others ideas to work out what will be successful.
Both teams did a excellent job and we had 2 carts that carried a bucket of water around the whole track.
Water bottles refilled group 6 went off for some frisbee Golf, they learnt different frisbee throws and had a practice before seeing how many times it would take them to get it in the goal at the other end of the field.
With no time to waste Team 5 went straight into problem solving activities including, balancing on the human see-saw and climbing the wall obstacle with only each others strength and determination to get everyone up and over the wall. Feeling super proud of themselves, they all hopped down and walked round the other-side to face a wall twice the height. Falcons by name, Falcons by nature they worked together using amazing communication and as a team they flew up that wall. It was just brilliant (an so high), check out the photos.
Before dinner Falcons came together with our instructor Oskar and they reflected on what they have achieved this week and what fears they may have overcome. Lots of hands went in the air as they all wanted to share their achievements. Overcoming fear of heights, small spaces and spiders were a few. They shared how they had motivated, supported and encouraged each other and what this week had meant to them.
We are so proud of Falcon class, they have shown maturity, excellent room cleaning skills, worked together every step of the way and represented Newport Primary impeccably.
Our last supper we shared outside under the canvas meatballs and pasta went down well.
We all got a jumper and water bottle and headed out for a evening walk along the coast to take In some last memories of our final night at kingswood.
As we climbed the steep hill together no one knew how beautiful the view would be from the top. It didn’t disappoint. As the falcons saw the sun setting over the sea and the most amazing view there was a calmness and quiet while everyone just took it all in.
We have all been blown away by the falcons this week they are just amazing!
We hope in years to come they will still have there memories from this adventure and are proud of all that achievements.
I’m sure your children will have lots to tell you tomorrow when we arrive back to school.
Until then all is quiet, the falcons are sleeping and hopefully us teachers will be to soon!