This evening, our eight groups met with their Bude instructors and looked back on their week of adventure. So much fun, so many hurdles overcome, so many memories. It was then time to hear which team had scored the most points and which six children had particularly stood out as Bottlers (overcoming challenges and fears), Jokers (bringing joy and laughter to all) and Superstars (all round champions) - two for each category. It was then party time. Just Dance and Timber was the final song of the night; Mr Cadman giving Mr Harvey a piggy back for the final manoeuvre. Part [...]

There were no early wake-ups this morning. Instead, it was the adults waking up sleeping bodies hiding in their bunks. But the world waits for no man, they say, and so morning runs and swims went ahead as normal. Today, the runners were challenged to find interesting articles along their beach run. Yesterday's theme was positivity.  Today, an entirely original phrase focusing on relishing every moment at this amazing place: I'm lovin' it. Whenever an adult asks how the children are doing or feeling, they must sing back (to the tune of a familiar fast food jingle) those words. We want [...]

Post afternoon activities, showers were both deserved and enjoyed by most and made mandatory for others (yes, boys) dodging good hygiene. The dry room now has a pungent aroma to it that either requires a deep breath on entry or a gas mask. The dorm hallway has been decorated with clothes that every child swears is not their's despite us being the only guests here. It's a good thing we are only here for one week! 😉 After another delicious dinner, including a heated debate on the adults' table over the difference between a chicken goujon and nugget, it was talent [...]

No, this post isn't about college spring break in the US; it's how Bude is best described today. The wind is howling, the rain is flying in every direction and the sea is a feral hound - but, in all honesty, it's not been too bad. The rain held off this morning and has never been too heavy this afternoon. Knowing such weather and conditions can take their toll, the key word of the day has been POSITIVITY. The children have been challenged to bee positive and make the experience better for themselves and those around them. To live life in [...]

With chicken burgers digested and tuck shop treats providing a new source of energy, it was time for some more evening fun. As ever, we had some wonderful costumes for the fancy dress. Story time brought part one of a tale about a remote and highly rare (so rare there is in fact no records of their existence) chunga bunga creature from the depths of the Amazon rainforest. The children wait on tenterhooks to find out if the little chunga bunga, Ralph, will overcome adversity and survive his juvenile years with the odds stacked against him. Donna continued with the theme [...]

Today, was, fun! Each group did two activities each: four groups doing surfing and canoeing; the other four doing climbing and high ropes. When you ask the children what they found hardest about surfing, they'll be fibbing if they tell you anything but getting their wetsuit on. There were times three adults were hoisting children in the air striving to get those neoprene devils on, but we always got there. Being in the water, in the Cornish sun, catching waves that had travelled in swells over thousands of miles was a dream. Many stood up. Everyone smiled. It was amazing!! The [...]

With 'most' children well rested after our first night's sleep in Bude, the alarm rang and it was time for our 8am meet outside for a run or a swim. There's nothing quite like being woken up by a dip in a chilly sea pool or going for an invigorating run. It gets you ready for whatever the day has in store. What's the best cure from shivering from a cold dip? A full English of course. Energised, fed and raring to go, it was time for our first activities. More to come later...

The wind was up on a blustery morning in Twickenham but spirits were high as 85 intrepid adventurers and nine a little older and weather-worn elders prepared for a trip they will never forget: five days of adrenaline-rush activities in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, Bude, Cornwall. The journey down the infamous A303 was as smooth as it could be, with a break for lunch and an afternoon viewing of Stuart Little 2 (a near miss for an Oscar in 2002) helping the time fly. Just after 3pm, our coaches pulled up, rooms were allocated and the [...]

The Year 6 children and staff are very excited about next week's five day residential to Bude, Cornwall. They will spend their time there enjoying fun-filled outdoor adventurous activities like surfing, mountain boarding, rock climbing and much more. This blog will be a place for us to keep parents and the school community updated on all that fun.