Hindleap Warren, Ashdown Forest

This year we decided to run the day as a House event with the girls split into groups according to their House tutor group.  We ended up with eight groups, two for each tutor group.  Fortunately I managed to persuade House staff to accompany the girls on this trip.  I don’t think some of them really knew what they where letting themselves in for - more about that later.

The girls in Year 9 were outstanding.  They challenged themselves physically and emotionally with some fantastic activities.  As you will see from the photos, the ‘high adventure’ activity was awesome.  I think some of the staff were more petrified than the girls!  Climbing approximately 10 metres up a pole onto a SMALL platform and then having to do a leap of faith onto a trapeze bar was a big challenge - never mind the fact that the pole wobbled when one got to the top.  One of the instructors kindly said the foundations hadn’t set so we were helping with that task!

The team spirit was very much in evidence and I think it paid off arranging the day as a House event.  Some groups made up chants to sing, to encourage people to be energised.  We saw moments of frustration, elation, fear, exhilaration, determination and joy (usually after completing the ‘high adventure’ successfully).

The House staff rose to the occasion and got involved in the activities.  There’s no telling what an audience of students will make you do. 

The winning group was Barat group 1, who excelled in most of the tasks.  They win 10 merits each for their efforts.  The group were: Maisie Breen, Georgia Clarke, Isobel Hoppe, Kristy Lau, Lizzie Mackay, Magda Torroella, Alice Padolsey, Isabel Stewart, Amy Tyler, Georgina Winfield.

Congratulations to all of Year 9 – you made the day

Check the photos to see them in action

Miss O’Neill