Our Year 3 and 4 residential to Cobnor has now come to an end.   As with yesterday, the day started with a corridor disco. Everyone was fast asleep when 'the meatball song' was played to wake everyone up, and it took at least 15 minutes before everyone was awake enough to start the day with a full rendition of the YMCA in our pyjamas.   Before we could head to breakfast, we had to strip our beds and pack all our belongings. Only a few unclaimed socks were left behind, so we were very impressed and Miss Jameson was able to award plenty of room points in her final inspection of the trip. 

Our morning activities were Archery and Tree climbing.   These were great fun but also gave the children the opportunity to show how resilient and encouraging they are.  With climbing especially, the goal was to set an aim and try to exceed this.  It was wonderful to see children smashing their goals and praising each other.  

After lunch, the final room points were counted up with the reward of pouring a bucket over Mrs Kelsey's head given to the winning room.   This seemed like a much better idea on Monday in 32 degrees of heat, but a promise is a promise!  

No doubt the children are all exhausted and already tucked up in bed.  Hopefully they have had plenty to chat about from their trip, but please do look at the photos together (they have not had a chance to see them).   The children have written journals about their trip to share with you, but you might like to ask your children: who they got to know that they didn't already know; what are they most proud of themselves for; when did they overcome a fear and how did it feel to do it; what was the most challenging thing they experienced; what kind thing did they do or say to someone else; how was someone kind to you; what was your mystery object at the beach and what story did you make up about it; how did it feel to swim in the sea; what was the view like from the climbing tree; what is 'on top' about in archery; why are some buoys green and red in the harbour; what people / things / experiences are you grateful for; what character strength did you use the most on the trip.

We are incredibly proud of the children on this trip. They have exceeded our expectations in every way.   Mealtimes have been a real joy, with the children making an effort to sit with different people each time, use perfect manners, clear their own plates and pay a compliment to chef Alex at the end of the meal.   At the end of every activity they thanked the instructors, explaining what they had enjoyed about the session.   

To see the final video of photos from today, click here.