After putting in a great deal of hard work in preparing for, and taking their SATS, Year Six took part in a week of activities in and out of school.

Monday saw the Head of Learning from Whitburn Academy visit the class to talk about their move there in September.

In the afternoon as part of our International Week, Year Six prepared and tasted Autumn fruits and baked banana bread-Yummy!- from South Africa.

The class also completed their version of South African Textured Art using coloured tissue paper, string and twigs.

On Tuesday morning the children set off for a session of orienteering in Cornthwaite Park. Here the class were put into smaller groups of three or four and had to tackle an orienteering course, locating markers around the park.

The winning team were Sophie, Cerys and Tom M who completed the course, finding all of the clues, in 9 minutes 3 seconds.

On Wednesday the class had an action-packed day at Gibside Estate where they found out about the history of the estate, its chapel and walled garden, before taking part in a den-building competition and a Low-Ropes Challenge.

The Den-building winners were: Reuben, Adem, Noah and Dominic; their teamwork and organisation was outstanding.

The children who managed to complete the low ropes course without falling off were: Amelia M, Jasmin, Deacon, Tom D, Amelia H, Poppy and Nicholas.

This seemed to be a most exciting experience for the children- some of whom were so worn-out on the way home, that they fell asleep on the coach.

Thursday Morning involved a visit to Souter Lighthouse, beginning with a campfire on the beach at The Wherry, toasting marshmallows and having juice after a story around the campfire.  Rock hurling into the sea was of course, compulsory.   The children then toured the lighthouse, climbed to the top of the lighthouse tower and learned about the people who once lived and worked there.

Thursday afternoon was a foodie session because, after the ice-cream reward, the children helped to make a traditional Zulu stew of maize, onion, peppers and mixed beans.

On Friday, the class travelled by public bus to The Dunes for a session of bowling- the winning bowlers were: Josh, Cerys and Reuben.

In the afternoon the class, along with the rest of the school, were treated to a wonderful African Dance and cultural extravaganza from The Lions of Zululand.

The sheer energy and musical ability of the performers was infectious!

Quotes from Year Six:

‘It was an adventurous week and the most fun I’ve had in ages.’  Sophie

‘This week was the best. I really enjoyed bowling with my friends.’ Shane

‘I really enjoyed Gibside because I got to build a den with Chloe.’  Elise

‘I loved bowling with my friends.’   Dominic

‘The week has been amazing buts the bowling was best.’   Charlie

‘I learned how to balance really well on the low ropes.’ Tom

‘Orienteering is hard but so much fun’.  Faith

India said her trip to Gibside was ‘Amazing’

Preparing vegetables for our African Stew- Samp.

A great den that Bear Grylls would be proud of.

Yes. We can all fit-in!

We can see you!

The Winning team

Archimedes Screw. Who?

I’ll cut it up, but I’m not sure whether I’ll eat it or not.

Gibside Chapel.. worth a visit.

Making African Banana bread- Yummy!

After an action-packed day, time to snooze.

This is how the lighthouse works

Wheee!

Activity playground

What is it like up there?