SCHOOL TRIPS
Latymer Upper School, London
Some students learnt bushcraft skills in Sussex for Activities Week
Activities Week
Right, pupils took a river cruise in Bruges as part of their “Best of Belgium” trip
For the past 60 years, the summer term at Latymer Upper School has marked one of the pupils’ most eagerly anticipated events – Activities Week. This extraordinary annual tradition sees the entire school community (except those sitting exams) decamp to the far corners of the UK and Europe for a week of challenging activities. With over 30 trips on offer, there are so many exciting adventures to be had, skills to be honed and new interests to be sparked. Those who love the great outdoors are spoilt for choice, with outward bound trips in Devon and Snowdonia on offer, as well as hiking in the Alps or the Peak District, cycling in France and horse-riding in Gredos. Pupils have even been swim trekking in Lithuania, scuba diving in Brighton, sailing in Scotland and surfing in Cornwall. For creative-types, there’s cookery or writing workshops, plus scripting, producing and performing a pantomime to primary schools. Culture vultures can travel further afield to the birthplace of drama, Athens, where they enjoy the classics performed in ancient amphitheatres. Acting workshops in London’s theatres and opera houses, or visits to the many fantastic museums in the capital, are a few of the options available for those wishing to stay closer to home. Activities Week continues to give our pupils exciting new experiences, and school alumni often quote this week as being one of their most cherished school memories – a special annual event that has helped widen their horizons, both literally and figuratively.
Norwich School, Norfolk
Norwich School’s month-long trip to Borneo saw pupils immersed in the vibrant Sabah culture; learning Malay, trying their hand at local cooking and craft, and working together to complete conservation projects. “On our first night, we were welcomed by the chief of Bongkud village and given a presentation of traditional tribal song, music and dancing,” says Hollie Williams, teacher and group leader. “The pupils then worked hard to learn the dialect and practise songs, drumming and bamboodance. They later performed in front of the chief, camp staff and a crowd of local villagers by way of thanks for their wonderful hospitality.” The group moved around several different camps and their projects were diverse: they taught English and maths to kindergartners, laid concrete for the village’s market square and planted trees along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. The pupils also encountered plenty of spectacular wildlife, including orangutans, hornbills and crocodiles, aiding in the conservation of their habitats by clearing four-foot-high grass with machetes, before planting over 120 new trees to help rejuvenate the forest. There was also a five-day jungle trek, where the pupils were pushed to their limits during gruelling hikes through the muddy rainforest, cooking meals on open fires, carrying equipment and sleeping in hammocks they had pitched themselves. They finished the week on the Gaya Islands, snorkelling along the coral reefs and zip-wiring between islands. “The pupils gained so much from the experience”, adds Hollie Williams. “From practical skills, working as a team, and witnessing the beauty of the country and the burden these communities face, it was clear that it was a highly-rewarding experience they will never forget.” ▶
The girls pushed through the thick jungle interior on their trek
Right, children from Bongkud village joined the team to learn English
Borneo
SPRING 2018 | independentschoolparent.com
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