Challenge. Cherish. Inspire.

Year 5’s Isle of Wight Adventures

16th May 2016

It’s been another fun-filled and action-packed adventure in the Isle of Wight for Y5. We set off on Friday, clean, well-rested and buzzing with nervous excitement. The sun came with us, making our ferry crossing, picnic on the beach at Alum Bay and Needles boat trip an absolute delight. Before long we were pulling into Little Canada and meeting our PGL groupies, Jodi and Charlie. What a fantastic pair they were! Beds made (kind of!) and it was time for the evening activity, which the children returned from in great spirits and slightly less clean! Over the next two and a half days the girls challenged themselves on an array of activities; abseiling, climbing, quad biking, trapeze, giant swing, challenge course, sensory trail, archery and the zip wire.  Everyone had a go and many even achieved their goals so we are all really proud of ourselves. The mystery, known only as ‘Matrix’ remains a firm favourite (and the most closely guarded secret in Upper School!). Friendship, teamwork, great food, beautiful weather and our very own Y5 clapping routine around the campfire on the beach are just a few of the things that made IoW 2016 so special. We arrive home with many stories to tell and very happy memories to keep.

See the photo montage here.
See all the photos here.

Day 1 – Sailing and Excitement
What a fantastic start to our trip! Year 5 arrived on the Isle of Wight in glorious sunshine and with spirits high. We had a lovely picnic on the beach at Alum Bay, followed by smooth sailing around The Needles. Back on the coach and the excitement levels were, if possible, even higher! We had huge cheers as we pulled into Little Canada and much celebration as we settled into our chalets. After a much needed dinner we were all fuelled and ready for evening activities. Everyone is looking forward to the adventure to begin tomorrow!

Day 2 – Year 5 Daredevils
It’s been an action packed day at Little Canada, with activities ranging from climbing to crawling and driving to swinging. We’ve also had groups experiencing The Matrix (don’t ask us, we won’t tell) and abseiling. The girls have faced their fears, challenged themselves and in many cases exceeded their own expectations. We’re really proud of everyone. The competition for the tidiest chalet is well underway and this year has seen such strategies as water bottles arranged in height order and trainers placed from driest to soggiest! We’re all still on the hunt for the fabled water fountain that’s apparently filled with lemonade (if only they didn’t change its location every half an hour!). Everyone is looking forward to our evening activity, ‘Splash’ which just might involve a water balloon or two!

Day 3 – Climbing and Campfires
Day 3 and the sun is still shining on us. After a really good night’s sleep we have had more amazing achievements from the girls who have been enjoying activities such as the trapeze, climbing wall, challenge course and zip wire. Despite lack of rain, the girls also managed to find plenty of mud and water to crawl through when completing the sensory trail. This evening our adventurous day is ending with a campfire on the beach: hunting for shells, skimming stones and enjoying the sunset. And of course, no campfire would be complete without the requisite array of repetitive songs that will be enchanting your household in the days to come! Two more activities await us in the morning before we begin our journey home. So long, PGL… thanks for another great year!

Miss Jo Reed
Year 5 Form Teacher

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