Episode 3: Coming together

This was not a weekend for the faint-hearted. Our boarders, following a typically busy week, came together for the betterment of all on a weekend that promised and delivered much. Saturday certainly set the tone, beginning with the Kingswood Bake Off competition. For 5 self-selected teams - spanning the course of the day - competition against the Senior Houses was the aim of game. The brief: One cake, one dessert. The theme: Apps. It was a joy to watch the day's events unfold:

"On your marks, get set,..."

"GO!"

Angel taking a threatening dislike to her cake.

Miss Kenny, on the other hand, is rather less threatening, embracing Bake Off madness to the full!

 

 

Smile and the world smiles with you...

Hmmmmm...so who's up for cleaning??

The Results!

Following a cathartic trip to town on Saturday afternoon, our boarders settled down to the visual treat of...

The action did not stop there. Saturday night's respite was important fuel for another very busy Sunday. Following brunch, our boarders embarked on a pilgrimage to Ashton Gate, where they saw and savoured the English Rugby Championship match between Bristol and Bedford. To the delight of the crowds, Bristol worked hard to grind out a hard fought 18-13 victory.

Arrival

 

Seated

Opportunistic group shot!

 

 

Warming up.

 

And we're off!

The final chapter: Burn's Night. After a brief 'power nap' on the way home, our boarders dressed and prepped themselves for the Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh. We were all treated to the Scottish-themed occasion, which boasted bagpipe recitals, traditional poetry, prayers; and of course, food!

Greeted and seated!

The procession.

The anticipation.

The introductions.

The Scot.

The Haggis.

The Bagpipe playing.

The toasts!

The recession.

The Ceilidh.

It's been a very full weekend! Our boarders can be very pleased and proud of the energy and enthusiasm invested into the events and experiences that were offered to them over the past two days. We hope they can build on these positives this week as we work our way productively (excitedly?) towards half-term. Until next time...

Westwood Climbing Trip and so much more!

Captain of Boarding, William writes:

Westwood boarders went to ‘Red Point Climbing’, which is in Bristol for their Sunday trip. We had an hour's climbing with three instructors; they were very nice. Sasha and Kenneth were quite good at climbing while others tried their very best. Most people enjoyed this activity very much. There are more than 10 climbing walls and everyone had a chance to try them all.  After climbing everyone was exhausted and many of them slept on the coach. It was such a wonderful weekend.

 Safety briefing

 Initial test climbs

 Dasha showing early confidence!

 Praeasha nicks ahead of Ayomikun!

 Rachel takes on Katya!

 Will makes it look easy!

 Perry negotiating the Wall!

 Kenneth, King of the Skyscraper!

 Vladislav showing good technique

 Sarafina catching up!

 Sudipti taking it all in her stride!

 Callum about to descend

 Nearly there, Noelina!

 Suruchi hanging in!

 It's a long way down!

 How much further?

 A Russian duel on the Wall!

 Sofia lets go!

 Monica and Ryan getting to grips with the challenge!

 Calmness personified

 Sasha conquers the wobbly wall!

Marco, Angel, Ayomikun, Praeasha, Sophie & Kezzy all enjoyed an Origami Masterclass from Mrs Duke whilst others played basketball. Marco is trying to get his origami frog to jump into his origami box

 Missed the target!

The house enjoyed Wonder Woman last night and a good number of the girls were involved in netball matches against arch-rivals, KES, yesterday. It has been a lovely weekend and the instructor at the Climbing Centre commented quite spontaneously on how lovely the children were and how supportive they were of each other overcoming fears.