'Duw genes Kernow' is Cornish for 'Goodbye Cornwall'. Cornwall has a long and distinct history, culture and language of its own - even lobbying for independence from the UK. Certainly spending time there gives you the feel you are somewhere special - a breath of fresh air. Our eight groups have loved their time at Adventure Bude. This was the first year St Mary's have visited Adventure Bude and we will certainly be returning. I really cannot stress how excellent the provision has been. Very few centres nationally offer such diversity in one location: mountain boarding, surfing in sea, kayaking in [...]

Our final day in Bude once again didn't disappoint. The routine of waking up and being dressed and ready for the day in 15 minutes is surely one parents will like to keep up - no pressure parents. The morning run and swim is also a great way to start the day: out amongst nature and being active and healthy. Two habits we hope continue. The daily hearty cooked breakfasts might be one habit to put to bed to protect the heart. But certainly necessary fuel for the type of day we've been living. Today there were no new activities but [...]

Day three of the activities and an opportunity for some groups to try activities others have already loved. Once again, the courage and commitment demonstrated by the children was remarkable. Today was also a first for some groups to take to the canal in dragon boats. The groups really needed to work as a team - they chanted "One, two, one, two..." to get in rhythm as they lifted their paddle blades in and out of the water. It was successful for at least a couple of minutes! :) It was also the first opportunity for groups to give caving a [...]

This time it's the words of Phil Collins that ring true. The skies are blue, painted by the occasional cloud, and clean lines of waves roll in as the gently offshore breeze holds up their glistening faces. As the runners head down from the hill (not too much running today I should stress!), the swimmers towled down and everyone headed for breakfast: pastry day - délicieux.

This evening was fancy dress and also a basketball tournament. Unsurprisingly, Year 6 went to town and made quite the impression on Adventure Bude. Awards were given to the best costumes and for the limbo challenge. The party culminated with a Just Dance classic: 'Spice Up Your Life' by the Spice Girls. Just before retiring slightly earlier this evening, Mr Cadman shared a bedtime story all about the devastating affects of asparagus. Fingers crossed it sends everyone to sweet sleep.

Tuesday started once again with pleasant conditions: crisp but invigorating . Despite the cold realisation (literally) of the morning swim, a good group continue to brave it - including the class teachers. The run passed the canal path to the beach today; an opportunity to take in more of Bude whilst on the go. Breakfast included bacon and the coffee machine was now working (yay!). Still full of energy and enthusiasm, the groups set off for their morning activities. Some headed to the canal to kayak or canoe, while others head for the beach to surf. A good portion of children [...]

Breakfast digested - as much as hashbrowns ever can be - the groups headed off for their morning activities as the crisp morning warmed to a comforting temperature that brought flashbacks of the glorious summer just enjoyed - a last grasp to those days perhaps before autumn sets in. On today's menu of activities was the high ropes, where children were challenged to overcome their fear of heights, work as a team and position their bodies at angles God had never imagined. There was also rock climbing: again a test of courage as children and adults looked down from up high, [...]

The words of The Boo Radleys never rung so true as our Year 6s and staff woke up to rising sun on the north Cornish coast. The 7.15 am bell alerted all to be downstairs ready for a morning run or swim. Everyone on time. Everyone well rested. Long may it continue. "Invigorating", "Enlivening", "It's how I want to start every day", were all words the children may have said if I had asked them. Instead, their mouths were busy consuming bowls of cereal accompanied by sausages, beans and hashbrowns while I valiantly battled with a coffee machine that refused to [...]