School Trips

Aberdovey September 2017

Thursday 28 September 2017

Day 4 in the outward bound house. We have just witnessed our first display of aggression (both were very tired) otherwise the conduct of the boys has been exemplary. We have learnt a lot about the boys over the last 36 hours. Kayaking down the River Dovey in torrential rain, sleeping in a mountain lodge without water, electricity or sanitation would test most people. Everybody has excelled in at least one aspect of the week whether it be trying something new, pushing oneself, or helping out ones peers. This has not been for the faint hearted, after trudging for almost 5 hours carrying full packs at altitudes in excess of 2000ft the showers back here were probably the best ever. One of the highlights was the conversation around the dining table last night, which ranged from music to films and included a considerable amount of banter. The group felt relaxed in each other’s company and enjoyed sharing anecdotes and opinions. Priceless! Mr Hough and Mr Huckfield

Tuesday 26 September 2017  Mr Hough and Mr Huckfield.

Monday 25 September 2017

As we approached the coast shards of sunlight pierced the impenetrable grey clouds. Since when the sun has shone. All the boys with the exception of one partook in full body emersion in the murky waters of the estuary. Our group leader Will (of the lilting Irish brogue) has the measure of our party with just the right balance of encouragement, challenge and cajoling. The lamb tajin brought back memories of Steve (ex-chef’s) culinary skills, well balanced spicing and fluffy vegetable cous cous. Mr Huckfield and I are observing the boys flourishing before our eyes.  Mr Hough.

Ski Trip 4th to 12th March 2017

Monday 6th March

After a tiring but safe journey to Italy, pupils took to the slopes for the first time today. Pupils experienced heavy snow, strong winds and poor visibility at times throughout the day, despite this we saw some great progress, excellent skiing and comical crashes! The forecast for the rest of the week is very good and were all looking forward to some sunshine after today! Tonight pupils, staff and parents are all going for a pizza evening, but will last years record of 22 slices of pizza consumed by a single pupil be broken?

Tuesday 7th March

The sun has arrived in Pila! Today pupils have enjoyed skiing in better weather and have started to make great progress. In particular our beginner group on the nursery slope have started to get the hang of turning in skis and are starting to enjoy themselves. Tonights après ski activity is bowling, last year Mr Capewell was the champion (obviously)! Who will win tonight?

Thursday 9th March

Pupils have continued to make fantastic progress today in the sunshine of Pila. Our top groups have been flying around the mountain, skiing some really challenging red runs. Today our pupils have had a great time at a disco, dancing the night away and socialising with pupils from other schools.

Friday 10th March

There isn’t a cloud in the sky as our pupils continue to fly around the mountain! Today we have been skiing in glorious sunshine providing pupils with spectacular views of the Alps. Our beginner group has moved further up the mountain and our advanced skiers have been tackling some black runs for the first time. Tonight our pupils have their presentation evening where Mr Capewell will firstly be talking about each pupils progress and giving them a little memento of their trip. After this all of our ski instructors will be coming to speak to us and give each pupil a certificate and badge with their ski levels on after being assessed today. Tomorrow we are skiing again before setting off back home and hopefully arriving back at Queen’s Croft for 1pm on Sunday. See you then!

Year 8 Residential March 2017 – Lea Green Outdoor Education Centre, Matlock

At Queen’s Croft we are developing a programme of residential visits which are designed to enhance the education of the pupils. Such experiences are an invaluable way of developing independence and allowing young people to excel in a different environment. Lea Green has been selected because of its excellent reputation and the fact that it offers the opportunity to explore a different environment.

Our Year 8 pupils residential is a two night residential at Lea Green Outdoor Education Centre near Matlock in Derbyshire, between Monday March 6^th to Wednesday March 8^th. There is a programme of activities led by the centre staff during the three days.

Year 8 Residential update Tuesday 7 March 2017

Everyone is having a wonderful time challenging themselves, and are a credit to Queen’s Croft.