Over the half term break our annual ski trip took place, with 38 students from Years 7-11 and five staff, making their way to the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbühel. This world-class resort has 170 kilometres of piste, along with idyllic alpine scenery, which ensured exhilarating skiing for our students. The world-famous Hahnenkamm, known locally as the ‘Streif’, is the home of the annual World Cup Downhill Ski Race, and some of our students, along with Mr Taylor, managed to successfully conquer it. During race day however, elite skiers exceed speeds over 140 kilometres per hour. It’s mind blowing to think that the downhill section is 3312 metres long, with an incredible 85% gradient at its steepest point! Mr Taylor has assured me they were slightly slower! Not only did the group ski brilliantly, they also got stuck into the evening entertainment programme. The group went swimming, took part in ten pin bowling and enjoyed an authentic pizza evening. At the end of the week, awards were given out to the ‘Most Improved Skier’ and ‘Skiers’ Skier’. Those who won were:
Most improved skier: Tom D, Issy T, Charlie C and Michael D.
Skiers’ Skier: Joe T, Jamie M, Charlotte M and Rose W.
Overall it was a fantastic trip with many great memories made. A big thank you goes to all the staff that went on this trip – without them, it just wouldn’t happen! The ski trip is full for next year. However, planning has already stared for 2021, with more details to follow in September.
In the week before half term, a brave group of intrepid travellers (81 Year 7 students, 8 Year 10 Language Leaders and 12 staff) set off across the Channel in howling winds. The six-hour ferry crossing was a challenge, but all survived with good humour and real caring natures being shown. The group had an intensive four-day programme at the beautiful Chateau Beaumont, with all sorts of activities – team building, visits to castles, practising French, overcoming personal limitations and making new friends.
This is the fifth year that the trip has run and we were particularly pleased that many of our Year 10 Language Leaders who supported the Year 7s with their French and the trip challenges, had themselves taken part when they were in Year 7.
Highlights of this year’s trip were the visit to Laval market, where many of the students challenged themselves to interact with the locals solely in French (some being somewhat surprised to be asked their views on Brexit and the Gilet Jaune movement, amongst other things!). Some students had personal breakthroughs – particularly on the zipwire and the climbing wall. Other highlights included the ever-popular visit to Mont St Michel, enjoying a century of history and seeing some of JK Rowling’s inspiration for part of Harry Potter. A number of students were really brave and tried snails and frog’s legs on French night. Finally it was great to see EVERY member of the group in fancy dress at one of the evening events.
As we have come to expect, we were delighted that so many members of the public commented on our students’ willingness to speak French and their exemplary behaviour. Next year’s trip is now in the planning.
A huge thank you goes to all the staff and our Year 10 Language Leaders, who gave up their weekend, to enable this experience to happen.
Year 11 students have recently had an assembly delivered by the National Citizen Service (NCS) regarding the opportunities they offer. The NCS is a four-week, four-phase programme, that students can get involved in during the summer months, for just £50. Students can undertake activities such as canoeing, climbing and archery, as well as taking part in a social action project. More information is available on the NCS website HERE
Our students have also recently had the opportunity to participate in the UK Youth Parliament Elections during tutor periods. There were a number of different candidates students could vote for and topics included – increased mental health awareness, the right to vote at 16 and recycling. It is always great to see young people getting involved in the democratic process.
Our Year 7 students have recently been completing Plymstock’s castle building project in History. Students have been learning about castles as part of their study of the Medieval period. There were a wide range of different castles produced including Motte and Bailey and Stone Keep. Included below are some pictures from one of the groups.
Just as this blog was going to press I was alerted to some great news about our Year 11 football team. They have just won 5-1 away to Okehampton, in the Quarter Final of the Devon Cup. The players put in a superb performance and the goal scorers were Ben S (2), Luka P, Lewis A and Ralphie H. We will be at home in the semi-final, with opponents to be confirmed. A huge well done to the team.
Our Year 7 Netball Team have recently been back in action. They did really well with a draw 9-9 against Plympton Academy and 9-5 win against Stoke Damerel Community College. As always they represented the school brilliantly – well done team. Thank you goes to Mrs Boyle (the coach) and also to Mr Campbell who provided the transport.
Our Year 10 Rugby Team have also been experiencing success. Just before the half term break they beat St Boniface’s College a whopping 46-0! Nearly every member of the team managed to score. The players were an absolute credit to the school. Thank you to Mr Bellamy who coaches the team.
You will recall that several weeks ago, I highlighted that one of our ex-students, Milo Mackin, was competing in the Channel 4 ‘SAS – Who Dares Wins’. I am delighted to say that Milo ended up being one of the show’s winners, after successfully completing the extremely tough selection process. A huge well done Milo – what a star!
