Year 7 Activities Week

This week, year 7 pupils who opted to stay on the Island participated in a range of activities designed to encourage teamwork and hone their physical skills. At the start of the week, pupils walked together to Rew Valley for an entire day of games, including badminton, cricket and softball. Pupils also had a picnic, and to top off the day, were given the opportunity to have a tour of our new school in Upper Ventnor.

After then splitting into two groups for the remainder of the week, pupils faced their most challenging task of the week; an 8 mile hike from TIFS to Bembridge scout hut followed by an overnight camp to earn their DofE Expedition Badges. Pupils really did put their best foot forward, managing the long walk in very hot weather (of course stopping for some well-deserved ice cream on Small Hope Beach!) and working together to put tents up and down. Once at the scout hut, pupils relaxed, played some organised games and enjoyed a BBQ and hot chocolate. The next morning, after striking camp, pupils and staff played a giant game of diamond cricket at Bembridge recreation ground before heading back to school (on a bus, much to their delight). Staff were particularly impressed with pupils’ efforts with washing up, cleaning camp and helping others to take down their tents.

Other activities enjoyed by pupils throughout the week included a fun team-building challenge where they had to work together to construct the tallest tower from spaghetti and marshmallows, creating ephemeral art on Bonchurch beach, and writing a report for the school newspaper, ‘Salve’, on their Activities Week experience.

“Over the past few enjoyable days of Activities Week we have all bonded and emerged as one.” – Kayden.

“We were dreading the long hike – I didn’t think I would be able to do it but we all made it!” – Megan T.