June 28th 2018
A varied and exciting fortnight of activities
Our Year 8 boys have enjoyed a fun and varied programme of activities since the end of their Common Entrance examinations. They have gone out on trips, visited museums and enjoyed themed days of activities here at school as well. Here are some of the highlights……
Some of the Year 8s enjoyed a great day out as they visited Gifford’s Circus at Blenheim Palace. The day began with a circus skills class at Moulsford before heading off to Blenheim for a hugely enjoyable show.
For the DT, Science, Drama & Music Challenge Day, the boys were split into teams and they competed against each other in a series of challenges encompassing Design Technology, Science, Drama and Music. With the aim of gaining as many points as possible across the different challenges, competition was fierce. The boys designed and constructed their own marble runs, built water rockets which were launched on the field and composed and performed raps based on … er, Slough! It was a really great day and a good way to left off some steam.
Our school nutritionist came in one morning to talk specifically about sports related fitness and nutrition. She discussed many aspects of health with the boys and got them making smoothies and nut free power balls which they sampled enthusiastically. A boy from each team then judged the samples on presentation and taste and the berry flavoured smoothie was a clear winner.
Forest School Camp Out. The boys ventured off to Forest School for their annual end of year camp out, with the boys’ luggage varying from small rucksacks for some, to overflowing suitcases of belongings for others. The boys were split into groups and went off to scout a potential area for their camps and then spent the majority of the afternoon sourcing wood and building their shelters. Meanwhile, the staff started a fire and brewed the first (of several) cups of tea. For supper the boys were given some cooking utensils, bacon and vegetables, as well as a rabbit which they had to prepare themselves! They did a great job of preparing the rabbit and produced some interesting meals with their ingredients. Darkness descended on the camp and "bedtime" soon came around. Showing commitment to the cause, some of the boys decided to take shifts to keep their campfire alight until morning so that they could cook their breakfast! After consuming a substantial amount of bacon for breakfast, we packed up, and headed back to Moulsford feeling very refreshed! The boys were a credit to themselves and the school, and a good time was had by all!
On Languages Day, the MFL department, got the boys to complete fun challenges based on the countries taking part in the World Cup! For Art Day, the boys were set a challenge of creating a piece of 2D or 3D artwork inspired by the worldwide plight of refugees. The pieces of art and music were so touching – there were a few tears in the staff’s eyes and I was so very proud of how maturely all of the boys tackled this challenge. We also visited the Museum of Modern Art in Oxford and spent a very pleasant hour, looking at an incredible exhibition of contemporary drawings.
The boys attended a Drugs talk by Peter Hall who grew up in a Prep school in Oxfordshire, moved onto a private secondary school and then to college in the US. Along the way, Peter fell into habits that will continue to affect him for the rest of his life. The boys all listened silently for well over an hour while he told his story and warned them of the obvious, and less obvious, side effects of substance abuse and excess.
On the last day, we went to Operation Encounter where the boys were kitted out in military gear and their faces were disguised with camouflage paint for the day. They worked in 3 groups and took part in a variety of military style exercises: - concealment, leadership games, orienteering and an assault course. Each activity was practised and then completed as a time trial so there were winning teams for each activity. Each task had a new team leader who was in charge of directing their team as well as listening to others’ suggestions. The boys, again, were exceptional. They all joined in with full enthusiasm and their competitive natures took over. Team 3 even set a new course record over the assault course! They certainly learned to listen to each other and realised that sometimes, you really do need the help of others to succeed. Perfect lessons to learn before we leave for Devon on Monday.
All in all, it has been a great couple of weeks. The boys have risen to every challenge we have set them. What a great group!
Jess Roberts
