What a wonderful week some of our Year 7 learners had at the Calvert Trust Residential.

 

Day 1: 

On Monday, we travelled via coach to Calvert Trust and when we arrived, we made ourselves comfortable in our rooms, unpacking our suitcases and having a chill together. 

Later, we split into our two groups ‘Dodd’ and ‘Barf’ and met our instructors Lou (Dodd) and James (Barf).

Bella, Grace, Michael, Nathan, Josh and Max were in Dodd Group with Miss Cross, Miss Wells, Miss Howarth and Mr Crew. 

Xander, Sean, Holly, Isla, Tyler, Jake and Rochelle were in Barf Group with Miss Hendy, Ms Lea and Miss Knowles.

On Monday evening, both groups enjoyed playing in the swimming pool together. We had a mini pool party with some toys, floats, coloured lights and music!

 

Day 2: 

On Tuesday, we enjoyed breakfast together before splitting into groups for our first day filled with activities. We re-joined for lunch before heading back out in our groups for more activity fun.

Both groups participated in Orienteering, Archery, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Ladder Climbing and the ‘Big Swing’ across the day and all learners had a go at their individual challenges. Staff were very impressed with how hard each learner pushed themselves to have a go at something new!

In the evening on Tuesday, we had some much-needed chill out time together in the games room and sensory room.

 

Day 3: 

On Wednesday, some of the learners started to feel tired after a busy Tuesday; but that did not stop us!

Our two activities on Wednesday were Ghyll Scrambling and the Ropes Course. 

Both groups headed offsite separately for the Ghyll Scrambling; which was a huge hit among most even though we ended up with a few puddled wellies!

Our balance and co-ordination skills were put to the test on the ropes course; with a mixture of nerves, wobbles and laughter! Everyone had a turn on the Low Ropes before some learners and staff decided to challenge themselves further with the High-Ropes and Zip Line!

Both groups joined together in the swimming pool before tea and after tea we had access to the sports hall and games rooms for a choice of activities. 

 

Day 4: 

On Thursday, we woke up full of mixed emotions being our last day of new activities and experiences.

Dodd Group enjoyed the morning by the lake for Bushcraft activities - fire lighting, roasting marshmallows, making popcorn and drinking hot chocolate. They then enjoyed an afternoon out on the lake canoeing. Lou played lots of games with Dodd Group - but their favourite was the water-ball game; collecting as many balls as they could and throwing them in the boat in front!

Barf Group enjoyed their morning out on the lake canoeing and needed a tow back to the cabin because it was super windy! In the afternoon, James took Barf Group to a beautiful view-spot for their Bushcraft activities where they built dens, fires, roasted marshmallows and made hot chocolates too!

Later in the day, James gave Barf Group their certificates for a fantastic week participating in all activities and challenges!

Thursday night was Disco Night and we had lots of staff stations throughout the hall to help us get ready for the evening. We had a ‘nail salon’, and a hair, make-up and face paint stop! When we were all ready, we headed to the disco. We had lots of fun playing games, dressing up, chatting, dancing and buying goodies from the tuck shop! 

 

Day 5: 

On Friday, we woke excited to get back home and see our families! All learners were tasked with packing their own belongings, suitcases and stripping their bedding.

Dodd Group then headed to the main lounge to receive their certificates from Lou.

We then returned to school ready to see our families, share stories and head home!

 

Have a look through the galleries below to see out photographs of our residential adventures. (The galleries have been split into groups)

 

Staff are extremely proud of all the hard work, perseverance and flexibility shown by all learners throughout the residential.

Year 7 Residential:

Dodd Group:

Barf Group: