On 5th-7th July, R10 went to Rock UK for their residential. For a number of the children, it was to be their first time away from their parents and their first experience of any of the activities we had planned for them. All the pupils were excited when approaching the big day and I can say Rock UK did not disappoint us. 

On Day 1, pupils must have asked at least 20 times ‘Are we there yet?’ on the relatively short journey to Rock UK. When we arrived pupils dropped their belongings off, and we went for a relaxing stroll and then picnic lunch alongside a beautiful lake. We then returned to Rock UK and unpacked our belongings. The first challenge was for the pupils to set up the beds. Some children found this a little trickier than others, but I was really pleased with how all of R10 helped each other with this task. We next took part in a variety of team-building games to challenge the pupils to think about life outside their normal environment. They considered issues such as decision-making, friendship, communication, justice, trust and tolerance.

On Days 2 and 3 the children took part in a variety of adventurous and challenging activities; including bouldering, climbing, abseiling, vertical challenge, crate stack, archery, canoeing or kayaking. It was a very busy, yet extremely fun couple of days and the children have experienced so many new challenges and impressively breezed through them. 

On the abseiling challenge, it was all about trust, courage and confidence as well as learning to calculate and control risk. The canoeing activity was a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, such as paddling and steering in order to control their craft effectively. On the crate challenge, it was a test of innovative thinking, construction, balance, courage – and above all effective teamwork. For the archery sessions- accuracy, control and a steady hand were vital for achieving the best results and many children discovered a talent for a new skill. On the vertical challenge, pupils make their way up a course of suspended obstacles that included tyres, cargo nets and ropes which develop physical skills as well as transferable skills including climbing, communication, cooperation and lots of group support.  The climbing activity combined skills including perseverance, strength, an ability to deal with heights – as well as trust in their belay partner and equipment. 

The pupils tried new activities which boosted their confidence. They found skills they didn’t know they had. They were encouraged to think positively about tackling new challenges. R10 took on challenges and overcame their fears which helped develop a “can do '' approach to future challenges. R10 were taught many life skills such as perseverance and resilience. 

I wanted to say a big well done to R10, for a hugely successful residential.  

Miss Nirenberg