While the start of February was full of great learning (such as starting our Famous Five adventure narrative, investigating properties of materials in science, exploring fractions and decimals in maths, looking at mountain formation and habitats in geography and so much more), the big event was our residential trip!
In the last week of last half term, Year Five had a very busy but enjoyable trip to York. The schedule was packed with exciting opportunities, including heading to the National Railway Museum within an hour of arrival! After marvelling at the miniature railway, clambering on, over and through all sorts of train models and completing a scavenger hunt throughout the main museum, it was time to head back to the hostel for dinner and the most important part of the trip: finding out about rooms!
Tuesday began with a rotation of Monday’s activities, with the addition of building Viking longships big enough to hold eight people and participating in some tricky team games. The collaboration and encouragement were fabulous to see, and they ensured some competitive but enjoyable challenges. After lunch, it was time to head into the centre of York for a guided historical tour of the city walls before dinner and more activities in the early evening. A cosy film with pyjamas and cuddly toys rounded off the day.
The final full day was just as busy! The morning started with a walk into York for a very exciting open-topped bus tour and a picnic lunch, followed by a wander down the Shambles (the inspiration for the representation of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. The afternoon saw a visit to the hotly anticipated York Chocolate Story and gift shop (which they left with considerably lighter wallets!), followed by dinner and the big finale of the end of residential disco. After they wore themselves out with lot of enthusiastic moves to the blasting music under flashing lights, it was time for bed.
Who wants to waste a whole morning when you’re away on a residential? Not us! After very efficiently packing and evacuating rooms, there was time for one last visit: the Castle Museum. A fascinating walk through time with lots to see and a final chance to spend any remaining money before an al fresco lunch and onto the coach.
Over the course of four days, the children had a fantastic time and demonstrated lots of skills. They were archaeologists and historians, puzzle solvers and athletes, artists and engineers, chocolatiers and performers. They also demonstrated some fabulous collaborative and communication skills throughout (something commented upon by the YHA staff).
All of the adults were extremely pleased and proud of everyone who came along. They showed ambition, resilience and kindness, and were praised by members of the public and the YHA staff for being excellent ambassadors for our school. Well done, Year Five!
For those who didn't attend the residential trip, there were a host of exciting, linked activities completed back at school.
