This year our Year 7 pupils ventured to Ilam Hall in the beautiful setting of Davedale in the Peak District for a week of outward bound activities and team bonding. The pupils were joined by myself and their form teachers Mr Westbrook-Burr, Mr Hung and Miss Mitchell.

We left Ashford on Monday morning and were really excited to arrive. The afternoon was spent river dipping and orienteering before we settled into our rooms and enjoyed our first evening meal.

Tuesday saw our students scaling heights and pushing boundaries as they engaged in scrambling, rock climbing, and abseiling at Black Rocks, offering breath-taking views of Matlock and the river Derwent. The highlight of Tuesday night’s entertainment was a few rounds of the Squid Game ‘red light green light’ in the dark, our version consisted on flashing red and white lights!

On Wednesday fuelled by hearty breakfasts at the YHA, we kitted up for a day canoeing and caving in a disused lead mine underneath the Heights of Abraham. I was so proud that each pupil embraced the challenges, demonstrating resilience and courage in the face of their fears. Even when challenged with fears of claustrophobia, everyone dug deep to overcome their innermost fears.

We woke up to bright sunshine on Thursday and enjoyed a hike up Thorpe top and the ruins of a Tudor manor house. The boys received awards on Thursday night.

This trip provided the perfect opportunity for our Year 7 students to bond as a year group, forging new friendships and strengthening existing ones through shared experiences and challenges. To cap off our adventure-filled week, Friday morning was spent amidst the thrills and excitement of Alton Towers.

Mr Atkinson Young
Head of Lower School