With the summery weather upon us, it was the perfect time for Year 9 to embark upon their trip to Bewerley Park. Mr. Grierson reports, ‘39 intrepid young adventurers and 4 enthusiastic staff members enjoyed 3 action packed days at Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre.  Resilience and team work were the order of the day as the students were given the opportunity to squeeze through the tightest spaces as they scaled Brimham Rocks.  Mrs Murphy successfully navigated the ‘cheese press’ and Mrs. Cummins the ‘leap of faith’!  As the scorching weather continued throughout the week, the students took every opportunity to cool down in the local rivers and ponds whilst kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. The ghyll scrambling was a particularly popular activity as students climbed up a stream, dived into plunge pools and slid down natural inclines. For those with a head for heights there was the High Ropes activities including a leap of faith to catch a trapeze high up in the summer sky. In the evenings there was a walk through the stunning countryside, orienteering and Mr Field’s nightly rounders games.  Students acquitted themselves well, doing themselves and school proud.’

There’s been excitement in the school too this week with Mr. Woodward reporting that ‘The Woodland Trust Green Tree Award Group spent some time in the woodland area on the school site putting their photography and observation skills to the test. Their challenge was to take photos of nature from different perspectives. We discussed how looking at the same place from a myriad of different viewpoints can reveal entirely different experiences and how often we can find a much more interesting and inspiring view of things not by going somewhere new but by looking at the familiar in a different way (a good metaphor for life in general).  Students were then free to explore the woodland with them lying on the ground, climbing trees and getting up close with plants, trees and fungi to see things differently.’

Meanwhile, in Science, Year 8 have been investigating the forces involved in flying. Dr. Lefley reports that ‘After learning about the theory of flight, students went on to construct a scale model of a hand glider.  Using moments to ensure the models were correctly balanced, they then went on to test their projects. Many flew on their maiden flight, however a couple didn’t quite make it!

In assemblies this week, Harrogate College came in to speak to Year 10 about the range of pathways open to them post-16 before sharing information about the courses that they have on offer. Years 7 to 9 heard about the World Cup from Mrs. Godsell-Wright whilst also celebrating the wider benefits that playing football brings.

Continuing, of course, have been the Summer exams which, by this time next week, will have been completed with the Year 11 Prom to look forward to. Year 7 are also looking ahead with eager anticipation to their trip to Normandy.

We’ll have lots to tell you about in the coming weeks.

Have a lovely weekend!