BOARDING REPORT

It’s been a very busy time in the Boarding House with a record number of children wishing to board – and what a wonderful atmosphere having them here creates!

Mr Attwood outdid himself with a wonderful Murder Mystery Night set in a 1920’s American Speakeasy. Mrs Francis produced some brilliant costumes for the cast, and by the end of the night no one seemed to have a clue who the murderer was! Thank goodness for Detective Brown, whose perspicacious mental acuity came to the rescue and unmasked Mrs Goodbourn as the murderer! She was hauled off to the cells by the cops (the gappers) to hoots of delight from the audience.

almost every boarder in attendance. Lara and her team cooked up a storm and then everyone gathered in the McMullen Hall for egg and spoon races, duck, duck, goose and of course the obligatory Easter egg hunt in the dorms.

During the Lent Term, the Year 7s enjoyed a brilliant ‘Crystal Maze’ Big Weekend organised by Miss Boyd. With various mental, mystery, physical and skill-based tasks against the clock, it was a madcap challenge, but lots of fun!

Our Year 8s were thoroughly well looked after by the girls at Downe House for their Big Weekend, with pizzas, ice-cream factories and a talented DJ getting them all on the dancefloor. The children loved spending time with each other, and we left the evening looking forward to our Casino Royale night in the Summer Term!

The first few weeks of the Summer Term were not the warmest - but this didn’t stop the boarders getting in the pool or the nets after supper! Fortunately, things have perked up and the children have been kayaking on the lake, enjoying the slippy slide, playing huge games of football on yard, riding their bikes, swimming, working on their skills in the nets or just shooting the breeze on the swings and slides. There has been a lovely, relaxed atmosphere after supper, and it has been so nice to wander around and see the children all having so much fun.

The Boarders’ Easter Party was held on the last night of flexi boarding for the term, and we had a terrific turn out with were treated to some Zorb football on Bates which was great fun.

We have had two brilliant ‘Big Weekends’. The Year 8 children donned their dinner jackets and evening dresses to host the girls from Downe House to an evening of mocktails and fun at the Elstree Casino Royale. The McMullen Hall looked glitzy and glamorous as the children all placed their bets at the roulette wheels and poker tables around the hall. Everyone mingled beautifully and it was lovely to see some new friendships develop, as well as some old acquaintances reunited. The following morning, everyone enjoyed an epic game of laser tag around the school grounds before heading home at lunchtime, for a quiet afternoon of rest and recuperation!

The Year 6s had a great fun time building rafts out of cardboard and trying to see who could paddle their homemade crafts the furthest with the help of Miss Boyd and Mr Williams. As you can imagine, there was much hilarity as boats sunk, teams were sabotaged, and everyone ended up in the drink! Fortunately, the weather was balmy, and a hot chocolate soon warmed everyone up. On Sunday morning, the Year 6s

The second half of the Summer Term is looking very busy, with plenty to look forward to, including the Big Boarding Brew and the Year 7 Elstree Award weekend. It should be lots of fun!