11R have just got back from their Duke of Edinburgh residential at Bendrigg Lodge in the Lake District! We left Wednesday morning and have just arrived back at Friday lunchtime.

On Wednesday everyone was really excited to get going, but we were a little nervous as well. We got all of our luggage packed onto the coach and by half past 10 we were off! It was only an hour up the motorway so we were there in no time, and when we got there we all went to find our rooms. Some of us were staying in the new Acorns building and some of us were staying across in the Lodge in the Clouds corridor. After unpacking, we headed down for lunch and met some of the staff that would be helping us this week.

Our first activity on Wednesday afternoon was canoeing. Before we could head off we went to the kit store to get wellies and walking boots as well as some waterproofs, and then we went to the minibus and drive down to the stretch of the canal we would be canoeing down. When we got there the weather was lovely and we had strapped the canoes together in no time! We split into two groups and had a leisurely paddle up and down, and were back in the minibus before the heavens opened. After tea that evening we went on a night walk, using torches and headlamps to guide our way and we then joined our friends in 11G to watch 'The Greatest Showman'.

Tuesday was a jam-packed day for us all! After breakfast in the morning we headed on down to the archery range where we all took it in turns to have a go. Everyone did a brilliant job and some people even got a bullseye! After this we had cycling on the bike track, where we could have a go on lots of different bikes, including two wheelers, tandems bikes and three wheel trikes. Some of us preferred it slow and steady but we also had some really speedy learners zipping around the track.

We had a quick break for lunch before beginning our afternoon expedition! We set off from the lodge to complete the Bendrigg round. We used maps and photographs to help us navigate and everyone took it in turns to lead the group. Some of us found this walk a bit difficult but everyone worked amazing as a team to help encourage and support each other to complete the walk. In the evening we had some time in the sports hall and the sensory room before we headed down into the yurt to toast some marshmallows. After this we all got our PJs on and had some chill time in the Acorns building before bed.

Friday morning was busy, busy, busy!! We had to pack our bags and tidy our rooms before going down to breakfast and after that we carried all of our bags down to the coach. Before we left, all three classes met up and everyone got a certificate for joining in with the activities and doing their best for the whole trip. We want to say a massive thank you to all the staff at Bendrigg, everyone had a wonderful time and are ready for an early bedtime tonight!

Mrs Powell, Mrs Woods and Miss Carter

11r bendrigg