Activities week this year ran from Monday 6 to 9 July and included a whole host of exciting, challenging and exhausting activities. The teachers worked tirelessly to make the week as diverse and full on as possible for the seniors and their effort definitely paid off. Each day year groups from Year 7 to Sixth Form took part in the activities, whether they be on the school grounds, at the Maidenhead Rowing Club or out in Maidenhead town centre researching, there was always something new to try, explore or experience! Here’s just a handful of the activities that went on over the week including Sixth Form as magistrates, sailing, rowing and even yoga..

Magistrates

Sixth Formers had a visit from JPs Allan Brownridge and Julia Hardy who gave a presentation on the workings of the British Legal System. The students were fascinated about their personal experiences of being a Justice of the Peace and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in a mock trial of the theft of a mobile phone.

Sailing

Senior boys and girls enjoyed some great weather when they took to the water and enjoyed some sailing activities. They had to make their own rafts using large drums and tried their best to keep them attached. They also enjoyed canoeing, dragon boating and various other sailing activities that tested their patience and developed fantastic team building skills.

Ultimate Frisbee

Year 9 girls had great fun on the school field learning a new team sport ‘ultimate frisbee’.  Combining speed and agility the girls learned the techniques and skills to throw and catch the frisbees at pace.  It was exhausting watching them!

Love Nature

Fashion and nature were combined as Year 7 designed their own dresses. The girls had to design their garments using natural materials such as leaves and flowers allowing the girls to be extremely creative.

Yoga

It was not all get up and go for Year 9s as they were very lucky to fit some relaxation in when they did yoga. We’re sure this was much needed!

Rowing

Year 8 took to the Thames for a spot of rowing. It was a full on day for the girls who were quite exhausted afterwards but had a great sense of achievement at tackling this challenging sport.

Oli, Year 8 said,

“I learnt a lot from this day including techniques and teamwork. This was by far my favourite day. I'm sad I don't’ do this in Year 9.”

Team Building Puzzles and Games

Learning all about team building through puzzles and games, Year 9 girls were challenged to work together to solve complex puzzles. Together they used their patience and diligence and learnt that if you want to be a winner you have to work as a team!

Circus Tricks

A fun session in the school hall saw the girls learning and performing circus tricks.  Some mastered the arts of scarf juggling and spinning plates, but did anyone keep their balance on the unicycle?

Sculpting

In a quiet and relaxing session, the girls made little figurines out of wires and white tac. Following instructions to create a wire framed man they then covered in white tac and sculpted different body shapes as you can see in the gallery.

Survival Cooking

Year 8 took part in a ‘survival cooking’ session, with Mr Bevis on hand to guide and instruct (and make sure they didn’t burn the school down).  Learning the vitals of survival involved building and lighting their own fires then cooking food over them, and of course eating the food. A very useful skill that hopefully won’t be needed!

The Vote for Stanley Spencer

A group of year 10 art students from Senior Boys visited the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham as part of their ‘community’ week. Their visit happened to coincide with the launch of a campaign to have Stanley Spencer’s image put onto the new £20 note. The boys caught onto this and decided to do what they can to promote this idea to as many people as they can. Back at school they set up a stand ‘Vote for Stanley Spencer’ along with a facebook and twitter page.