Wyvern Award for Rachel

Last term's Captain of Boarding, Rachel, was awarded a Wyvern by Miss Wright for her generous service to the boarding community. You will recall Yuma got one in the New Year. Rachel's was presented it by Mr Opie at the Boarders' Meeting last night. Westwood boarding is very proud of this achievement and hopes more will follow Rachel's example.

Episode IV: A Terribly British Affair

This weekend brought the world to Britain as The Royal Wedding occupied the nation's attention. In a spirit of celebrating all that is traditional and modern about the United Kingdom - set against the backdrop of glorious sunshine - the Westwood boarders truly embraced the spirit of inclusive celebration as we began the weekend with a Royal Wedding Party in the house. A splendid array of traditional British party food was enjoyed by all, alongside contemporary music, dance; and live-stream footage of the wedding itself!

A culinary tribute to the happy couple - courtesy of Mrs. Thatcher!

There's nothing dull about Royal celebrations...

...as Yuma, Connie, Sudipti, Sarafina, Suruchi, Kezzy and Lala will testify!

The stage was set!

The food was fit for a King and Queen!

 

 

And so it seemed fitting that, before the Royal Wedding and banquet began, the house embraced the glorious weather outside, enjoying photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy each other's company!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Royal Wedding 'got nothin' on us'!!

Thus it was: The pre-wedding photo opps and build up led us all back into house where students indulged in the sumptuous fare, fully embraced the wonderful occasion of a Royal Wedding service and then concluded with a celebratory dance!

 

An occasion for the young and old alike...

 

In keeping with the royal occasion, the evening's film brought to the screen a true story of filial love and tragedy:

With our boarders poignantly reminded about the beauty and transience of life, they slept through the night to welcome beautiful Sunday weather once again. After brunch, we travelled to the Old Down Manor Estate where students enjoyed a stint of Segway in the regal English countryside! As you will see from the pictures and videos that follow, spirits were high and nimble hands were certainly the order of the day!

The initial briefing...

...before the donning of the battle armour.

For some, meditation was an important prerequisite for racing glory...

...whereas for others, impulsivity reigned supreme!

 

On the topic of impulsivity, I direct you to a wonderful display from Mrs. Curtis in the video above!

And so, readers, now that the regal delights of weddings, films and Segway dancing have been digested, we look forward to our final week of the half-term. This terribly British affair redirects its thoughts to final examinations for Year 7 and constructive revision for Year 8. To this end, we wave goodbye to Episode IV, as the residual sounds of 'God Save Our Gracious Queen' linger in the hearts and minds of our boarders, and the romantic thoughts of weddings to come grace their dreams. Until next time...

Westwood Boarders at Green Park Gig

Westwood boarders attended the annual Green Park Concert in the city centre on the opening night of the Bath Festival. It was a very ambient evening and the pizza at Green Park is particularly good! The boarders are looking forward to the Royal Wedding celebrations tomorrow in the company of Mrs Curtis and Mr Thatcher.

Farewell to our South African guests and a visit from Mr Davies

Tomorrow we say a fond farewell to Ben, Connor and Thato who have been marvelous company since 17 April. We wish them well on their return to Kingswood College, Grahamstown. http://kingswoodcollege.com/ Some final pictures with the Year 8 boarders and with all the boys.

We also had a visit from Mr Davies, Deputy Head Academic who introduced Will and Ryan, and prefects Joanna and Callum to some new board games.He promises to come back soon and we thank him for joining us!

Revision, Invites out and Puxton Park

Year 7 boarders embraced the demand to do a couple of hours of timetabled revision on Saturday and Sunday; some even opted not to watch Saturday night's film, instead preferring to crack on with more revision for the examinations which start on Friday. I was very impressed by the level of focus during these important hours: well done, Year 7 boarders!

These photos are not 'Fake News'. 

 No one simply posed!

 Industry in action!

 RPE verbal revision - Mr Thatcher will be pleased!

 Sudipti and Suruchi found their own quiet corner!

 We are also working hard downstairs!

Ryan L working hard on his History revision

Ishika, Sophie, Rachel, Vic, Connor, Ben, Thato and Nina have all enjoyed invitations out to day pupils' homes since Friday for BBQs/meals and or sleepovers. Dasha and Sasha also met up with some day pupils in town on Saturday. It's great there is a strong link between the day and boarding communities in Westwood.

Yesterday Westwood's answer to Rafa Nadal, Vladislav, made a successful debut for the U15 boys' team. I am sure we will more about his tennis. Ishika breathed a sigh of relief, as having decided the film choice by beating Dasha at rock, paper, scissor, the House really enjoyed Dwayne the Rock Johnson's performance in Central Intelligence. His peck dancing got much applause!

Our trip today took us to Puxton Park near Weston-super-Mere which houses animals and offers lots of slides, simple attractions and the opportunity to enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine. Many also enjoyed go-karts, swings, a mini assault course and an indoor play area and feeding animals. Mr Duke also did some falconry.

 Feed me!

 Longhorn Cattle whose origins date back many centuries in the UK!

 Like an episode from Whacky Races!

 Katya getting behind the wheel!

 Noelina catching up with Hohona!

 

These boys are staying with the Meerkats tonight! Looking cool, boys!  Move, Will, you are blocking the donkey!  Marcus, get in the photo!

 Vladislav gives up on the Hamster experiment!

 Angel and Isabella burning off the ice creams!

It has been a lovely weekend and we also celebrated Yuma's birthday with a cake from home! The sparklers would not light though! Very delicious cake!