Activities Week
Each year, pupils in Years 7 to 9 spend a week off timetable to develop new skills beyond the classroom.
With GCSE and A Level exams underway at school, younger pupils broadened their horizons on some action-packed adventures.
Year 7 embarked on an independent learning project, working in small groups to interpret the theme of ‘green’, tackling topics as diverse as sustainable fashion, aliens and David Hockney’s art, before presenting their impressive outcomes to parents and judges at a final showcase. Congratulations to our winning team – Abi, Carmel, Eliza and Eloise – for their project on camouflage. Pupils also embarked on a Science fair project, celebrating creativity in scientific research. Making the most of the sunshine, they also enjoyed a sports afternoon and a morning on Hampstead Heath volunteering with Heath Hands, who support local community and conservation projects.
Year 8 embarked on an ambitious three-day entrepreneurial project in partnership with a school in Rwanda, collaborating with pupils in Kigali on sustainability and social action initiatives. They also walked via Primrose Hill for a carbon-zero Geography trip to London Zoo to enrich their learning about ecosystems and the impact of climate change. Pupils also explored Tudor life with a day trip to Hampton Court Palace, and found their way to the Dollis Way Greenwalk for an outdoor education day, learning first aid skills, how to pitch tents and cooked their own lunch.
Year 9 also embraced the outdoors, braving an adventurous climb to the top of The O2 and undertaking ecological practical work in Epping Forest. Other sessions included sporting activities and public speaking training, as part of our Futures Programme Futures Certificate. Most students ended the week on their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Assessed Expedition, with others spending two days in the Chiltern Hills – a great opportunity to try navigating without Google Maps and develop skills including first aid, teamwork, leadership and resilience. Alexandra, whose photos feature in the gallery above, reports back:
“We got off the train at Chalfont and Latimer, prepared for the long hike ahead. Using maps and compasses, we set out across gorgeous fields and crossed a shimmering river before stopping under a large tree for lunch. We saw cows and sheep, foxgloves and lush hill ranges. Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience.”