Monday, 16 October 2017

Episode VI - The Saga Continues...


As the half-term draws nearer, our boarders continue to immerse themselves fully in the weekly routine of school life. This past weekend, following another physically challenging but rewarding morning / afternoon of sports fixtures, our boarders traversed the cultured streets of Bath in pursuit of fine food and indulgent goods! Upon their return, the evening’s entertainment saw the swashbuckling prowess of Captain Jack Sparrow in action as we watched the final film of the pentalogy: Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge. 


Popcorn eased the occasionally darkened mood as the depths of sea-laden desolation were breached, dissipated only by the relief and rejoicing of beloved character reunions and an invariable ‘happily ever after’ ending.

Sunday was no exception to the boarder’s weekend adventures, with an all-day trip to Thorpe Park. Our boarders embraced the day with unsurprising enthusiasm and really enjoyed spending time with each other as they participated in an all altogether different kind of experience.

The beginning of an adventure...

'Samurai' - Not for the faint-hearted!
From giant water-slides...
...to fun-filled roller-coasters!









Angel, Hohona and Ryan planning what to do next!
Ryan very much enjoying his Burger King lunch, flanked by Monica and Vlad...
'Saw' - Facing your fears...
Mrs. Curtis putting the 'Sun' in Sunday!
(In contrast) Mr. Chua: "Is it time to go yet?"
'Stealth' by sunset...
Departing: A skyline to behold...
Mr. Duke was delighted with his Gold Medal Award from Thorpe Park, bringing the day to a close!




For our boarders, the hope of adventure became the path of adventure. As the final week unfolds, our students look forward to a well-deserved rest over the half-term holidays. We wish them all a safe trip home; may a time of recuperation and renewal follow, before Episode VII marks the next stage in their journey to a galaxy far, far away…

Sunday, 8 October 2017

Week 5: Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and an Indian Summer all in a weekend!

Mr Thatcher and Mrs Duke masterminded a Chinese Takeaway to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Saturday night after matches and a visit to town. Friday night involved popcorn relays!
 Prefects, Tom and Ema, also tucked in and were very helpful tidying after the meal!
 Happy Boarders!
 Lovely to have all the families join the occasion.
 Billy, Sunny and Nathaniel enjoyed the fare!
 Kenneth ate a lot!
 Check out our moves!

 Whilst some played bench ball in the sports hall, others enjoyed an Autumn craft activity.
 Mrs Duke mentors Vladislav in the art of sewing!
Angel, Noelina and Marco in the design phase


 Finished product and now in the dorms!
 Indian Summer stroll at Bowood House.

 Team Westwood
 

 Obligatory dab, although the pupils tell me this is very 2016 and I need to catch up on the latest trends!

 Mrs Duke's arty shots!


 Ryan and Angel take the shortcut.
 Man made, but still pretty.

 Standing above the Ha-Ha at Bowood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha-ha

 Vladislav claimed he was the owner.
 Dasha and Connie disagreed!
 Time for a play as Tom judges Perry's and Kenneth's respective techniques.
 Rachel and Praeasha braving the heights.


The weather was truly kind today and the pupils even enjoyed an ice cream outside in October in the UK. Everyone is off to Thorpe Park next Sunday. Hope this finds you well.

Sunday, 1 October 2017

Week 4: The adventure continues...

This weekend has been action packed for our boarders. After the delights of hot chocolate, whipped cream and marshmallows on Friday evening, the community came together to support the school's annual Open Day event, which was a great success. We were delighted with our boarders' outstanding manner; parents commented on their enthusiastic and welcoming approach as they proudly toured the house.


Saturday sports and a trip to town was followed by some evening respite - indulgent movie majesty in the form of Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast! The magic of 'Tale as Old as Time' sweetened the minds of our boarders as they slept, before awaking to Sunday's activities. Mrs. Curtis and Mr. Thatcher thoroughly enjoyed the company of our boarders as they participated in a 'good morning' Benchball tournament, then happily prepared and cooked their own Sunday lunch! To cap off the afternoon, a treasure hunt was completed around the grounds; this was enjoyed by all.


That Friday feeling! Mr. Duke's Japanese Maple Tree a little reminder of home...
Time for a hot beverage!


Sunday Lunch - Kenneth, Ishika, Vic and Sasha get to work on the potatoes...


Meanwhile, Sophie and Marco tackle the furniture!
Katya: "Surely this is enough for my five a day?"
It's slowly coming together...

...with a centrepiece to admire!
Hohona, Marcus, Monica and Vlad join the team to set up...
   

The table is set...
Kezzi and Hohona making sure that things are prim and proper for the feast!

The effort is the ultimate reward.
And after washing up...
...it was time for a treasure hunt!
Go, girls, go!
Is that the Justice League led by The Flash? No, wait...
Last stretch...
...and it's time for our reward!

 Another week over and another one to look forward to!