Thursday - Day 4

We are glad that you have started to receive your letters from your children. If they haven't arrived yet, they are on their way. Last night, as a reflection activity, I read the children some of your comments from this blog - they mostly found them highly embarrassing, although they loved hearing your words. 

Our penultimate day has been one to remember. We set off early from the centre on our voyage to Shanklin; a very pretty seaside town, with the promise of an ice cream at the end. The walk took us over Nansen Hill, which is the highest peak on the island, where two of our children managed to run the whole way up without stopping, securing Edward Betham two places on the Nansen Hill Wall of Fame! A big well done to them! It was a struggle for the rest of us, but the view from the top made every step worth it.

All along the way, members of the public we passed were commenting on how well the children were behaving and how well mannered they are, a proud moment for us staff and you parents too. Real EB ambassadors. 

Later on, when we arrived in Shanklin, the children spent £2 of their pocket money in the most incredible ice cream shop. I had shortbread flavour and clotted cream, what a treat! I spotted all sorts of weird and wonderful combinations. As we had made brilliant time on the walk, the children had a chance to roll up their trousers and paddle in the sea. It was so lovely to see them playing and enjoying themselves in such beautiful surroundings. The sand is everywhere now!

The children have read their letters this evening, are about to go swimming and then we have got a celebratory campfire tonight in the woods. If toasted marshmallows are involved, I'll be very happy!

See you all tomorrow,

Miss Thrower

Wednesday - Day 3

Basically, we've had a brilliant day! And basically we have banned the children from using the word 'basically'!

This morning, at low tide, all 65 of us headed down the hill to the beautiful beach called Monks Bay. Armed with buckets and sieves, we headed straight out and clambered over the rocks in search of creatures, critters and sea monsters. Can you believe that the centre staff thought that it was the best rock pooling session they have EVER run? Come on Edward Betham! As a group, we managed to catch several different types of crab, shrimp, fish and snails.

After lunch, we split into our teams again to partake in a range of activities which required logic, patience and cooperation, in abundance. However, I must say, I was so impressed with the teamwork, great attitudes and enthusiasm that all children were showing. A definite proud moment for the adults of the group. 

Children are enjoying the swimming pool and tonight, we are making parachutes for eggs. Whichever ones can keep the eggs in one piece will win. Can't wait!

Miss Thrower

A few words from the children:

"Today I enjoyed everything but I enjoyed the rock pooling the most. Me and my group were the only ones that found a special fish. We found s Cornish sucker, it had blue dots on it and looked really cool. We also found a few shrimps and a few crabs." - Emily

"During the tightrope team activity, I had a good idea to help get everyone along the rope safely. We all moved along like a caterpillar, supporting the balancing person." - Haik

Tuesday - Day 2

Somehow, we all managed to have a really restful night's sleep! The teachers were expecting the first night to be a bit hectic, but all was quiet at 11:30, after a little big of nagging.

Sausages and beans went down a treat at breakfast, and set us up for our very busy day outdoors. We have stayed at the centre and all groups have taken part in 4 different activities run by the centre:

Bush craft - where we built our very own camp fires with cotton pads, kindling, newspaper, twigs and bigger sticks. And guess what? No matches or lighters were involved. We used a bit of pressure and some metal 'flint sticks' to create sparks to get it going. Some of us even made fruit bread or garlic bread from scratch, using the wild garlic leaves from the woodland! How exciting.

Den building - using tree trunks and tarpaulin to create a waterproof shelter. Tried and tested by centre staff with a super soaker water gun... some of us did get superly soaked.

Archery - what more can I say... such a fun and fulfilling activity. What a lovely thing to see all the children cheering each other on and aiming for targets and balloons.

Map skills - a very exciting and energetic grid reference game where we collected clues from all over the grounds to piece together the puzzle.

The children have been excited about the swimming pool all day and are currently splashing about. Dinner in half an hour.

Oh and We found a 4 leave clover. Good luck is on its way!

A few words from the children:

"My favourite part of the day was when I had the garlic bread. We made it in a pan on the fire! The sea is a beautiful view." - Reece

"Isle of Wight is magnificent, the view of the sea and the activities we experienced were the next level, e.g. archery, bush fires den building. In archery, Ms. Leigh scored the first bullseye. Isle of Wight is like a never ending relaxation." - Bartek and Amar

"The Isle of Wight has been amazing so far. My favourite part so far has been archery because I popped a balloon when I shot. I am looking forward for the next activities (very much!)" - Molly 

The Isle of Wight is simply amazing. From magnificent scenery to terrifying cliffs, the Isle of Wight has it all. The mansion is awesome!" - Ansh and Dillon 

Keep commenting :) 

Monday - Day 1

Evening all,

Well, what a day! You'll be glad to know that we arrived smoothly and safely and the rain stopped as soon as we arrived at the centre. All went to plan on the coach and ferry. The house itself is a mansion, a very impressive one at that.

On arrival, the children were shown to their rooms and were asked to make their own beds, fitted sheets and all... a struggle for some, as I'm sure you can imagine! Those of us lucky enough to have a room at the front of the house have got a super view of the sea, something which will always be impressive, however many times we look at it. However, this trip is all about the outdoors and we wasted no time in heading down to the beach as part of our Orientation tour. The fabulous staff here played some team games with us, as part of our 'sensory awakening' and we walked through the woodland area, up lots of hills and all around the house. We now know our way around and can explore freely in groups.

We've got lots to look forward to this evening, including swimming and a whole group game with the activity staff.

Thank you to those who have already commented, check back soon for more updates!

Miss Thrower

Happy Sunday!

Good afternoon to Year 6 children and all of your families. I hope you are all packed and ready to go! I know that I'm very excited and hope you are too!

Parents, keep checking back here daily for photos and blog posts detailing what we have been doing each day. I hope this website provides an interesting insight for you and proves to be a good way of keeping you up to date during your child's school journey.

See you bright and early tomorrow,

Miss Thrower