PARENTS

Year 9 Adventure Activity Trip – Gilwern

All Year 9 girls went on an Adventure Activity Trip to Gilwern outside Abergavenny in June. The programme included lots of adventurous, challenging activities. They canoed, caved, climbed and surprised themselves by doing all sorts of things that they did not think they could. Quite a number of girls were very nervous about doing some of these activities, but they left Gilwern with a real sense of satisfaction and achievement. They also had some seriously good fun. The underlying serious point of the trip was for the girls to live and work together in challenging situations. By experiencing these activities together, they were able to develop their friendships and good teamwork.

Evening Activities this term have included The Rowing Club and climbing at Gloucester Climbing Wall. The members of these clubs have been regular and keen participants all year. They have all developed into good rowers and climbers

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award – Expedition Section

Lots of girls signed up for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award this year. 18 year 9 at Bronze level, 28 girls at Silver and Gold Level. The Bronze Level girls start from scratch, learning how to navigate, pitch tents and look after themselves, which includes cooking on camp stoves. Funny that nobody complained about school food or school beds after that experience! In fact, they all did very well in the face of some damp conditions. After their Practice Expedition in the Summer term, they will be completing their Qualifying venture in the Autumn.

Expeditions at Gold and Silver level are tougher and we go further afield. Training days have been in the Malvern Hills, Stiperstones, Shropshire, Black Mountains and in the Brecon Beacons. Most of the weather has been kind to us, apart from one rather breezy day in Wales. They had their final practice fling in the Black Mountains in April. They will be completing their Qualifying Expedition in July, in the first week of the summer holidays. All of the girls will be walking in and around the Three Peaks of Yorkshire. We wish them all the best of luck for the venture. All the above girls deserve credit for their hard work and commitment over the past year.

Ms S Cole
Outdoor Pursuits