HALF TERM ADVENTURES
Duke of Edinburgh's Expeditions, Ski Trip to Canada and Politics Trip to the USA
At the beginning of the Easter break, some Fifth Formers braved the inclement Welsh weather to complete their Silver DofE practice expedition in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Despite the never-ending mud, spirits were high as the groups completed two days of micro-navigation around Herbert’s Quarry and by the Usk Reservoir. The sun started to come out for the final two days, allowing for spectacular views of the Bannau Sir Gaer ridge and a pleasant hike along some Roman roads before the long coach journey back to St Albans.
Also leaving on the first day of the break, were some Sixth Form pupils headed to Snowdonia to complete their Gold practice expedition. On the first day they put their navigational skills to the test with a micro-navigation exercise before heading out on three days of expedition. One day was spent on rough terrain in the Ogwen Valley which provided fantastic 360-degree views over the rest of Snowdonia and Anglesey from some of the highest peaks in the park.Leaving on Easter Monday, another eight Lower Sixth pupils set off to Bannau Brycheiniog to undertake their Gold practice expedition. After some fantastic views of Pen Y Fan and the surrounding area on their micro-navigation exercise, they camped at Pen Arthur in preparation for four days of self-sufficient trekking. Challenging weather on the first day forced them to use their escape route, but better weather saw them back on route for the rest of the expedition and even enjoying a day of sunny weather. Displaying excellent teamwork, determination and resilience they are well prepared to tackle an assessed expedition in Summer.
They were soon joined by Fifth Form pupils on their Silver practice who found themselves similarly challenged by the weather conditions. Theory replaced some of the initial walking as opportunities to undertake practical training were squeezed in between the liquid sunshine that is prevalent in this part of Wales. Ground conditions also meant many of the intended routes were not accessible and working in conjunction with the staff, a new plan was created to allow pupils to learn the most from the training opportunities.
Thirty pupils from First to Sixth Form travelled to the Panorama Resort in Canada. They had excellent weather for the first few days, and were blessed with plenty of fresh, powdery snow. After busy days on the slopes, evenings were spent making the most of the après ski activities including a music quiz courtesy of Mr Daurge, a scavenger hunt, a ride on the gondola and an evening around the campfire. It was an incredible opportunity and a very memorable trip for all !
During the Half Term break Sixth Form Politics students had the opportunity to travel to the USA where they enjoyed an action-packed programme in Washington DC and New York City with a quick stop-over in Philadelphia.
Lower Sixth Formers travelled to Prague to broaden their understanding of Economics. The trip included a visit to the Staropramen Brewery, the Museum of Communism, a lecture on the specifics of the Czech economy, a learning immersion exercise in the Prague Easter Markets, and a two-hour visit to the Skoda factory plant. The group experienced authentic Czech food, visited Prague Castle and slept on a boat on the river Vltava.
