Year 9 Trip to Matlock

On Wednesday 29 June, Year 9 made the journey to Mount Cook Adventure Centre in Derbyshire for their two night residential. They arrived at School at 6.45 am ready for a 7.00 am departure. The Year Group began their lengthy drive to the Peak District – an ideal time for a much-needed nap, after which they refuelled at a well-known coffee chain found at the service station.

After arriving at the Mount Cook Centre, Year 9 pupils took part in their first activity of either rock climbing, raft building or high ropes. All of these required them to work collaboratively, such as building a raft that would stay afloat; cheering each other on as they abseiled down a rock face, and as they scrambled between boulders, or as the girls called it the “scramble scramble” – this was a firm favourite. Those with the high ropes as their first activity had their mettle challenged with the leap of faith while Jacob’s Ladder definitely needed them to give each other a helping hand up. Others raced to climb the activity wall; bad luck to Mr Emery who was just beaten to the top by Lara (9A).

The fun, however, did not stop there. There were also Team Challenges which tested the pupils’ thinking skills and teamwork. After hours on the go, they finally went to their rooms, tired from the day’s events and excited to see what the next day would bring; much too excited to sleep.

The Year Group also had a Residential Award Ceremony for best group performances. Congratulations to all Year 9 pupils who participated in the residential so enthusiastically. We hope they can take something special from their experiences and come back in Year 10 ready for new adventures.