Recently, 66 very brave and excited Year 6s bundled themselves onto a coach and set off on the highly anticipated residential trip to Skern Lodge, in Appledore, Devon. We had ticked off the kit list and were ready for the week-long adventure!
As we drew closer to the activity centre the coach came alive with “Ahhhs” and “Wows” over the stunning countryside. Honoured to be “the best-behaved school he had ever driven”, Kevin, the coach driver, waved us goodbye. After a quick dump of our rucksacks and a peek in the dorms, it was time to start our first activity!
First up was the assault course – we were proud to see how the girls naturally supported and encouraged one another, understanding that each girl has different strengths, but together they are stronger. It wasn’t about getting to the end first as an individual but getting there together.
Next up was archery – most of the girls hadn’t tried it before but were very willing to give anything a go, and if they fail, they just keep going! Resilience has become second nature to them - in the classroom, it is instilled and, outdoors, it really comes to life.
The next day, we all squeezed into wetsuits and headed across the beach in gale force winds, hands and lips slightly purple from the cold, yet not one of the group complained! One Year 6 pupil experienced a moment of understandable fear with bodyboarding, which she overcame as she took a deep breath and plunged into the ocean - an hour later she emerged a stronger and more resilient child.
The girls were learning incredible life lessons that they will be able to take into the rest of their lives. At the climbing wall, we observed how focused and conscientious the girls were, not only for their own safety but that of others, fixing each other's helmets and tightening their harnesses. The phrase, “I’ve got a fear of heights”, blew through the wind...girls acknowledged their fears but worked through them and amazed not only us but themselves.
Girls were supported by the encouragement of their friends, “You’ve got this”, “You’re so near the top”- if they got halfway, that was ok too. The annual Year 6 Skern Lodge residential trip is a culmination of the extensive outdoor education programme that runs throughout the whole year, from Year 3. There are opportunities across the School to try new things - caving, paddle boarding, rafting, climbing, surfing and more!
We journeyed back tired but full of so many happy memories. As we stepped back into school, Year 3 pupils were longing to hear some tales for an insight into where they will be lucky enough to go in three years’ time! Year 6 will step into year 7 with as much enthusiasm, bravery and resilience as they showed on the trip.
To discover more about the incredible opportunities at our Junior School, visit us in person - click here!