Isle of Wight 2017

Day 4

Dear Parents and Friends of Year 6,

Another day, another fabulous time!

We all managed to hold onto our breakfasts during the Needles cruise, even though the water was really quite choppy!  On the boat, some children were excited about the prospect of sighting a blue whale, however the guide told us that this creature had never been seen in these waters.  There’s always a first time we thought!  We enjoyed the live commentary about the lighthouse and the history of the spectacular landscape there, and our boat came really quite close to the chalky cliffs, prompting some children to think that we were going to “risk it” and go into the caves.  The spoilsport teachers didn’t seem up for that idea, however, and after violently bobbing around some more, we cruised back to shore.  It was a truly brilliant way to see the famous coloured sands of the cliffs here, and inspired some children to design their own Isle of Wight sand ornaments as a memento.  At the Needles park, many other children also bought presents for those back at home.  They really are very caring children.

  We ate lunch at the Needles, before boarding the coach for the swimming pool, located on top of a lovely cliff with panoramic views out to sea.

At the swimming pool we enjoyed exclusive use - good job, I say, as the children were a little loud!  Two hours plus sixty children, multiplied by the power of a swimming pool, equals fun, it would seem!  We finished with a high-energy game of ‘Water Basket’ (I can’t be certain, but I had the feeling that the teachers made this game up on the spot)- involving six chairs/goals, up to five balls and all the members of staff deployed as referees.  6HB were the victors and enjoyed a few minutes extra in the pool whilst 6LF changed.  Then again, 6LF were first to get the biscuits (and therefore the only ones to eat the choccy ones), so who were the real victors?

Back on the bus, some children crashed out, whilst others chatted on, although they did sound slightly fatigued.  We arrived back at the hotel and gathered together for Miss Hughes leading the Values reflection and Mrs. Lawrence reading the blog comments.  The children were delighted to hear their families’ remarks, as were the teachers who feel really appreciated by the lovely parents. The children were thrilled to hear from their families via the blog, and some of the comments did raise a laugh with everyone, including the adults.

Given a choice between extended down-time in the rooms and a shorter session on the beach, or a longer time on the beach, the children went their own ways…  I’m not sure what I would choose myself.  Down-time is particularly fun as they can spend it in another group’s room, but then again the sand is soft, the weather is warm, and there is actually no beach in West London.  That’s it- where’s my sunhat? I’m off! Check in with you all later…

  

Dinner was fantastic, with the heavily-anticipated arctic roll a complete hit, including with the teachers!  The strawberry sauce was an unexpected and delicious extra.  Miss Hughes finished our reflection about the new school values after dinner, and all the children voted for their preferred six. It was then time for another room inspection- Mr. Carney has added a new judging category- ‘smell’- I’m not sure why…. Apparently, there is a happy medium between not enough strong-smelling deodorant and too much.  It’s getting that balance just right that might secure the chocolate and certificates tomorrow at the prize-giving.

7:50p.m.: I’m typing this whilst listening to some very lively songs at the disco… much of the music is not from the Isle of Wight, so I’m not familiar with it.  Right now, the children are all shouting,

“Just the touch of your love, is enough to knock me off of my feet…” It’s very catchy, I must say!  Although Mrs. Lawrence has pointed out that the grammar of that sentence is not perfect, and would not earn its author age-related expectations in a SPaG test.  The children don’t seem to mind though.

 I have truly loved meeting and spending time with Year 6 this year- what a marvellous bunch of children, with lots of characters that I don’t think I’ll forget.  Most of all, I will remember their joyous smiles and their excellent manners (most of the time).

Oh this music really is very good; I think I’ll join the children on the dancefloor now as I do like this one too…. “I’m a dangerous man with some money in my pocket” … unlike a lot of the children who have spent their money BEFORE the Shanklin sweet shop tomorrow morning.

Goodbye and thank you readers,

Nutella 

P.S. Here are some extra photos from the day/week - enjoy!

 

Day 3 

Dear Parents and Friends of Year 6,

I was very excited for the
'squirrel run'
activity!

Today, we were ‘on the go’ from 8:30a.m. until 11:00p.m. when we dragged our weary selves into the hotel.  It was, for many, the best day so far – “worth getting tired for!” stated one child.  We started with a short coach journey to Robin Hill, and we certainly got our ‘money’s worth’ from that excursion, as we were on site from when they opened the gates until 30 minutes after they were supposed to close them!  Spending time both in our travel groups, and as a whole year group, was brilliant as we explored the playgrounds, learnt about birds of prey during a live falconry display, and screamed with joy on the rides. Many teachers found the map a bit puzzling, but fortunately the children could guide them around the park!  At lunchtime, many of the boys played an enormous game of football with another school.  There was brilliant camaraderie on display, and a teacher from the other school declared,

Colossus was a highlight for
many children!

“Your school have behaved really well; they all shook hands at the end which was great sportsmanship!”

As if that wasn’t fun enough, we left Robin Hill and immediately travelled to Laser Zone for a 4 ½ hour laser tag session in the soft play zone, with refreshments and time to hang out between sessions.  The children were delighted to take part in this fun competition, and the teachers were equally delighted that they were all such great sports-

“My gun had a glitch and it went back to zero, but never mind, it’s only a game and I’m having fun!” said one (normally very competitive) boy.

The children were very excited to see the venue for
laser quest!

At the end of the evening, the leaders Imogen and Emily announced the top scorers from each of the six teams:

·         One of the girl twins

·         The tallest child in the year

·         Two girls from 6LF- Cross-Country training had obviously prepared them well

·         A staff-member’s child

·         A boy from 6LF

A tiring day for all! Wait... this was BEFORE
the day's activities?!

Exhausted but exhilarated, we arrived back at the hotel and had a very quick reflection and prayer before bedtime.  Tomorrow is another packed day, with a morning cruise around the Needles and a swim session, before hopefully some time on the beach, then reflection… and of course, the DISCO!

I can’t wait to see the Needles tomorrow, but until then I’ll say a (very late) night-night,

Nutella

Day 2

 

Dear Parents and Friends of Year 6,

Up we go!

If we thought yesterday was good, then today was… AMAZING! 

The weather could not have been more beautiful, and the activities could not have been more engaging and fun.  After a wonderful three-course breakfast (for those who wanted that much food!), we wrote our postcards. Boarding the coach in the absolutely perfect weather was not a problem, as we were soon at the first destination - Ryde seafront, just a short walk uphill to the Goodleaf tree-climbing.  Led by Paul and his expert team of three fellow climbers, every child today had a turn to be harnessed and to scale up the rope to the tree.  Some children managed to climb to the branch that their harness was anchored to, some achieved this incredible feat twice, but all climbed as far as (and maybe just a little further than) they were comfortable with, and for that we are really proud of them.  As one boy said,

“I’m not stopping ‘til I reach Cloud 9!”

Taking their steps back on land felt “weird” and “unusual” after so much time hanging out in the high branches, but what a memory they have left with.  Personally, I can’t see what the big deal is, it’s just climbing a fifteen-metre tall tree, but then again - I AM a squirrel…

Perhaps best of all, we have helped to raise money towards the preservation of red squirrels in the Isle of Wight, as the children’s vertical metres have been added to a grand total towards a vertical marathon that Goodleaf are undertaking.

The children had a paddle - but I don't
much like water!

Whilst one group climbed, the others took to the lovely beach in Ryde; paddling, sandcastle-building, and searching for more fossils and shells inspired by yesterday’s beach hunt.  We were in different groups again today, happy to spend time with old friends and just maybe making new ones.

Getting up close and personal with a
40-year old donkey!

The other half of the day was spent at the Donkey Sanctuary.  This is a marvellous charity that is well-organised and passionately led by its staff and volunteers.  Derek and his team showed us around, and we met some truly memorable equine characters, including the now-famous (at Edward Betham anyway) Dennis ‘the Menace’, terror of the donkey field.  It was with great delight that the children observed Dennis behaving badly (definitely a candidate for Reflection Club, apparently), and then sulking when another donkey took control of the food-ball during a very unconventional game of football!

Derek was genuinely impressed with our school, and gave three prizes for the most dedicated donkey-lovers, saying,

Learning lots about the Donkeys' history!

“It’s been a pleasure to have this school.  They’ve asked and answered some excellent questions.”

The teachers have really seen a new side to the children through the activities today, and have been delighted with their caring attitude towards the donkey shown in comments such as;

“The donkeys are really calm because they know we’re not going to hurt them.”

“It’s like we can speak to them and they understand us.”

After grooming, walking and feeding these lovely animals, many elderly, many who had been mistreated before their time at the sanctuary, we walked through the site of over ninety donkeys and saw a miniature pony called Dougie who was spending the first week of his life away from his parents.  The sanctuary staff were training him to become independent.  How similar to our own pupils!

1-0 to Nutella!

After a slap-up dinner, we hit the pier with our first lot of spending money.  Taking over the dodgems was a highlight, as was buying lollies, spinning faster than the speed of sound in the Teacups, and careering down the Helter-Skelter.

Finally, we took to the beach for ‘sundown at Sandown’, with cricket, football, buckets-and-spades and other games until the darkness no longer permitted it.

Tomorrow, it is Robin Hill and Laser Tag. I think there is only so much fun a small squirrel can have, but the children have promised to take care of me.

Until then,

Nutella

PS please keep the comments coming as the children are enjoying hearing them!
 

Day 1
Dear parents and friends of Year 6,

My name is Nutella  and I am the mascot for this year’s trip to the Isle of Wight.  You may notice that I’m one the of island’s special red squirrels, and possibly the only one in the world who can ‘blog’.  I do hope you enjoy reading it and seeing the photographs this week.

Well, what a full day it’s been!  We left school promptly, and made fantastic time along the motorway- so fantastic, in fact, that we were at Southampton port ahead of schedule and took the earlier ferry.  While driving onto the ferry, we were lined up alongside another coachload of Year 6 children.  There was some ‘healthy’ rivalry going on between the schools, so it was with some relief that we didn’t encounter those children again as we relaxed in the lounge area on board, and enjoyed an early lunch.

The weather was beautiful as we arrived on the island, and we saw many interesting sights, including lots of farmland,

“It’s really green compared to London!” said one child.

Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, our activities at The Dinosaur Farm were led by two palaeontologists, Oliver and Megan, who taught us about the habitats on the Isle of Wight 150 million years ago.  Expect to see three prehistoric objects, including sharks’ teeth, on your child’s return; sifted by their own fair hands!

To end the dino-fun, we visited a local beach crammed full with prehistoric treasure.  “Dinosaur bone!” was the exultant cry from Oliver, as the children made their own amazing discoveries on the beach; fossilised sponges, fish, muscles and wood…

From this, it was the long-awaited journey to the hotel- and the discovery of who we would be sharing a room with.  There was much celebration when that was revealed!  The hotel is clean and airy, and the owners have been really welcoming.  We settled into our rooms, ate a filling dinner, and completed two fire drills, until the teachers were confident that we would be safe in the event of a fire here.  Miss Hughes then led us in a reflection session about two values that Edward Betham is considering for September.  We will do this every night this week.

We ended the evening with a stroll along the promenade as far as the pier, which we may well visit tomorrow!  Back at the hotel, Mr. Carney conducted the first room inspection, a pressured task given the high stakes of a certificate and chocolate prize at the end of the week for the winners.

That’s all for today- we will send postcards tomorrow morning so hopefully they’ll be with you soon.

Thank you for your time- until tomorrow,

Nutella