Boarding House Blog

Summer Term 2011

Week 9

Well we made it!  The final week of term is here and we've a lot to celebrate.  Only at the start of this academic year did we open our new improved boarding facilities, yet it is already hard to remember back to the days of 7 dorms and no real sick bay/communal space.  The children have achieved so much this year - children who were new to boarding in September are now part of the 'family' and everyone has clearly made their mark on our community.

Of course we have a number of boarders leaving us on Friday, so never again will this combination of people live together under one roof.  Therefore, even for those who will be returning in September, this is still the end of an era.  Each school year, and indeed term, has a very different vibe in the boarding house and this one has been no exception.  The children have mixed better than ever before and the support and care they show for each other on a daily basis is heartwarming to witness.

On Monday we celebrated with our end of year trip to the Big Apple in Wokingham for Bowling and Laser Quest.  There was some fierce competition between the various teams - and that was just the staff.

On Wednesday night, we had our big finale with our Boarders Camp Out.  The weather was not optimal, but we decided to go ahead anyway, hoping that at least the tents would keep us all dry for most of the night.  Tent building, a wide game of 'Hostage' in the woods, a wonderful BBQ and then songs, marshmallows and hot choc around the camp fire.  Everyone headed to their tents at about 10pm and hopefully were able to get some sleep before the dawn chorus at 4.30am!

Week 8

Everyone did look a little jaded as they returned to the Boarding House on Sunday night, but they were all soon swapping stories from their adventures from the week before.  These last two weeks of term are always extremely varied with people off here there any everywhere, so it is great to have good weather so those who are in the House can get outside a play.

On Monday night the Year 8s were absent, being scared at the theatre in London and therefore everyone else took to the pool on the field.  It had been an incredibly stuffy day, so many of the staff and even Imogen took the opportunity to cool off in the pool and as a result we were all much more refreshed when it came to bedtime.   On Tuesday, with the staff vs parents cricket match taking place, there was plenty to occupy the children.  Wednesday saw a movie or play option with the split about 50/50.  Our boarders are so well behaved these days that once again everyone recieved their tuck.  On Thursday there were quite a few boarders out for various reasons so therefore Mr Edwards offered Manhunt - with a twist!  From my flat I could see several people tearing around on bikes, scooters and other wheeled transport, in the hope of catching the others.  I'm not sure who this made the game harder for, the catchers, or the chasers, but either way it looked great fun!

Week 7

GOLDEN EAGLE WEEK

This week saw all our boarders head off on various adventures around the UK and Europe.  Year 3 had a night of camping at Wellington, Year 4 had 2 days at the Oakwood centre in Wokingham, Year 5 spent 5 days in Wales, Year 6 spent 5 days in Devon, Year 7 spent 5 days in Pembrokshire and Year 8 headed to the South of France for 9 days.

These trips give the boarders a chance to shine. They are used to being independent and away from home and therefore they really can take a lead role.

Please do read the various trip blogs for details of their adventures. 

Week 6

House Parents' Star of the Week: Ellie Moore

Matron's Boarder of the Week: Max McCarthy

In the run up to exams we expect everyone to be a 'Star Boarder' so I don't like to single anyone out, but now we are back to 'normal' it is great to give a little recognition to those who have stood out for various reasons.  Well done to this week's winners!

Bedtimes have officially moved a little later from this week and housemeetings are held outside so the older children can carry on playing once the necessary formalities have been dealt with.  With the children then coming into the House staggered from that point onwards it is much nicer to be able to spend some quality time with each year group. 

On Monday night we were visited by 3 House Parents from Wellington College who were keen to see a prep school boarding house in operation.  I was delighted when one of the first things they noticed was how well the children of different ages mixed together and also how well the children seemed to amuse themselves.  A wealth of activities were on offer once again: free play outside, a rounders match organised by Miss Palmer, football with Mr Brimacombe and in the Food Tech room, Mrs Guest took a group to make delicious Eton Mess puddings.  It does always amaze me though that there is never anything left when they return to the boarding house.....

On Tuesday the children had the choice of swimming or outside play as the weather had turned and it certainly wasn't as good as it had been of late.  Similarly, Wednesday was not great so we opted for a movie night with the choices of Goldmember or Madagascar 2.  Mr Rhodes also kindly came back into school to offer a bushcraft activity for those who had signed up.  There are some great photos to follow.

With the Year 8s already on the coach on Friday the House seemed much, MUCH quieter.  Most children headed to the pool and we all had a fairly relaxed evening as we prepared for our adventures next week.

With most people going home to pack at the weekend, there were only 6 children who remained in school.  Miss Bailey and Mr Jenkins took them to the cinema on Saturday night and then we all headed to the RMA heratige day on the Sunday.

Week 5

Hurrah – the exams are finally over for everyone!  Once again, I was terribly impressed with how relaxed everyone was around the House, and those who had sat their exams before half term were still supportive of those working hard.

We’re off to Coral Reef tonight to celebrate all our freedom and then bedtimes will alter a little from next week as we can relax a little as we enjoy the last 3 weeks in the Boarding House.

Hopefully you'll now see a few more photos appearing on the blog as my time that has been spent over the past few weeks checking maths papers and 'helping' with French vocab etc can now be spent joining in with some far more fun tasks!!

This weekend was a real action-packed treat for those who remained in school and I think after the events of the past 48 hours, they'll all be looking forward to going back to school next week for some relaxation!

The weekend started with the usual cricket matches and freetime for our boarders.  Those who were not involved in matches also help set up for the E-factor that was being held on Saturday night and I have heard that Max needs a particular mention for being a great help in setting up the bar - well done Max!  After a quick supper we all headed over to the Sports Hall for a FANTASTIC evening of entertainment.  I was very proud to see so many of our boarders up on the stage performing for teh charity event and even more of our boarders giving them great support.  It is these sorts of evenings that really show what a great community we have, not only in the Boarding House, but in the school as a whole and it was wonderful to be a part of it.

Here are a few of our boarders in action!

After the show it was a late night to bed for everyone so there were certainly some bleary eyes in the morning!  However, there was no rest as straight after breakfast Mr and Mrs Norvill were here to take them all for a wonderful trip bowling and stock car racing.  The weather was shocking to say the least, but that didn't dampen the children's spirits and they were full of enthusiasm on their return. 

They arrived back a little early and rather damp due to the horrendous weather, so what better thing to do when you are soaking wet.... Head to the pool!  If the children weren't tired enough a 30min game of water polo was certainly enough to ensure they went to sleep quickly tonight!  After a warming meal of Shepherd's Pie (thanks Darren for the change!) a movie night was in order and we even had hot chocolate too!  Is it March?!!

Well there were no arguments when bedtime finally came around and I am sure there are some more action-packed days ahead as we look forward to the last 4 weeks of term.

Weeks 3&4

As the all the year groups head towards exams there is a very relaxed atmosphere in the House.  Never before have we had so many children, yet never before have I had to hassle, cajole, persuade less!  I think having such a short half term has meant that everyone has had to make the most out of every moment – and believe me, I think 4 weeks has been more tiring than 6!

Pleasingly, all the children have still been making the most of their activity time too.  There aren’t many specific activities to write about due to the fact that the children have simply been outside ‘playing’.  A real joy to see in this day and age.  Of course there are some more formal games of rounders or manhunt, but generally all the children have been setting up their own games and amusing themselves – just as they should at this age!

Mr Rhodes has offered to come in on Wednesdays for a few weeks to run bushcraft activities for those interested.  It was only a small group this time due to others wanting to crash infront of a movie after a rather rainy afternoon on the sports field, but I am certain more will enjoy this special treat over the coming weeks.

Last weekend, Mrs Parry-Jones took those in for the weekend to the Hawk Conservency in Andover.  Although it was a little windy for all the birds, the children certainly had a great time.   

Weeks 1 & 2

After a gloriously sunny 4 weeks of holiday I think everyone found it hard to drag themselves back to school at the start of term.  Nevertheless with only 4 weeks until half term we did have to hit the ground running somewhat!

The senior boarders have been very impressive over the past two weeks proving that it is possible to work hard and play hard.  All the children in Year 8 are studying hard in their 30 minute 3rd prep session every evening and as a result they are also able to join in fully with the rest of the normal boarding activity programme.  Quality not quantity is certainly our mantra in the Boarding House when it comes to study and 30mins hard work is much better than hours staring at a piece of paper.

The Year 7 children have also had a more formal prep slot of 20mins 4 nights a week over the past 2 weeks to hopefully keep away any last minute stresses and panics about exams.  Slow and steady revision over a few weeks can often be far less stressful than a last minute cram and as a result they are making the most out of these sessions and should hopefully be well organised for when they enter Year 8 in only a few weeks time!

Asside from work, there has been many fun aspects to boarding with our usual range of evening activities.  As we have been blessed with yet more fine weather most evenings the children are simply outside playing.  Tennis is very popular as is football and cricket practice in the nets.  The children have a big box full of various balls, bats and other objects to throw that it is wonderful to see them setting up their own games and intergrating well as a House.

Some more structured activities have been arranged for those who were interested: Rounders, 'Roller Night', Swimming, Banana Split creating, Baking chocolate crispie cakes and mountain biking.  Wednesday nights now offer the double option of a movie for those exhasuted from matches or extended free time outside so it is a real opportunity to have some wind-down time mid-week.  There was even a game on Manhunt on Thursday so everyone was happy!

A typical summer's evening!

Sunday 15th May Portsmouth Powerboat ride

For the 2nd Sunday, our adrenaline junkies were treated to yet another fantastic opportunity.  A powerboat ride around the Solent.  Miss Palmer was in charge of this fabulous activity and the 8 children who attended certainly had a truly amazing time.  With some retail therapy afterwards and an ice cream for all, it was a brilliant day out.

Sunday 8th May Thorpe Park

First Sunday Boarding trip of the term and we headed off to Thorpe Park for a day of hurtling around in roller coasters, getting splashed in tidal waves and enjoying the delights of theme park life.  We had a great day with good weather and a very happy group of kids who experienced all the park had to offer.

For previous term blogs please go to the Blog Archive