Peak Fun

Eighty-eight of our 13s (Year 9) pupils recently returned from a fantastic five-day residential trip to Morzine in the French Alps. The trip, offered to all pupils in the year group, was a well-earned celebration at the end of their examinations — a chance to mark their hard work throughout the academic year with an unforgettable experience together. It was initiated by Mr Tom Cooper, Head of Year for the 13s, and organised with Gabi, our school trips coordinator – both worked hard behind the scenes to bring everything together. Once in Morzine, activity specialists BeVenturesome took over to run an exciting and well-organised programme of outdoor challenges and adventures.

The group stayed at Chalet L’Escalade, a beautiful base just a 20-minute walk along the river from Morzine town. The chalet had incredible views and great outdoor spaces for the pupils to enjoy in their free time. There was a green lawned area where they played football and set up a small badminton net, as well as a fenced multi-sport pitch marked out mainly for volleyball, though it was also used for basketball. The chalet’s veranda even featured a piano, which was put to good use throughout the week. Pupils also loved their cosy bedrooms, many of which had balconies overlooking the mountains.

Over the course of the trip, pupils took part in a wide range of activities designed to build teamwork, encourage independence, and provide shared fun. These included kayaking, white-water rafting, high ropes, rock climbing with ropes, and a hike that crossed the border into Switzerland. They also had time to explore the local market, where many treated themselves to rather expensive cakes and cookies to enjoy on the spot, while others bought jewellery, olives, or honey to take home, strolled round Morzine town and took a cable car/chair lift trip to soak up panoramic views from the top. The groups rotated between different activities during the day, coming together in the evenings to enjoy French meals back at the chalet and unwind together.

Evening activities included a quiz, a movie night, and lots of time to enjoy the chalet’s outdoor areas. Each morning, pupils made their own picnic lunches and packed them in their day bags for wherever the day’s adventure took them.

Mr Tom Cooper is really impressed and proud of his 13s, who all threw themselves into each activity with a can-do attitude. “The 13s are a lively and confident group, but what made this trip especially rewarding was seeing some of the pupils I know less well really come out of their shells. It was the perfect opportunity for everyone to connect in new ways."

For many pupils, the trip was a chance to try something new and create lasting memories. Beth, one of the 13s, shares: “I was nervous about being away for so long and almost didn't go on the trip but I loved every minute of it. My highlight was the white-water rafting – it was crazy fun and we were in a raft with Mr Cooper until he fell out and we all had to help him back in again! I made such fantastic memories – it really was the trip of a lifetime.”

Charlie, another 13s pupil, says: “I really loved the climbing and the white-water rafting, but all the activities were great and it was fun to spend time with my friends and teachers outside school.”

The trip gave our 13s pupils the chance to experience the outdoors in an exciting and high octane way, strengthen friendships, and enjoy time together in a beautiful Alpine setting. A big thank you to Mr Cooper, Gabi, and all the accompanying staff who looked after the children so brilliantly while they were away.