At the start of the Christmas break, 36 Harrodians joined staff members including Headmaster Mr Hooke on the week-long Sixth Form ski trip to Val d'Isere
The pre-Christmas trip to Val d'Isére has become an institution in Harrodian's calendar thanks to its popularity with pupils and teachers alike. Headmaster Mr Hooke, (shown below with Mr Proudfoot and Maia) an Alpine ski guide in his youth and still no slouch on the slopes, is its greatest fan. 'I love the Val d'Isère trip because it gives me the chance to share my passion for the mountains and skiing with Sixth Formers, most of whom I've got to know well.'
There's no dilly dallying in the chalets on the trip. Head of Sport, Ben Proudfoot, plans every detail to ensure the trip’s educational value is maximised. The party is required to be up daily for breakfast at 8 and out on the slopes by 9. There's also a strong emphasis on teaching and improvement, whatever the standard of the skier. ‘You have to take skiing’s physical and psychological challenges seriously,’ says Mr Proudfoot. ‘You need to be organised, to eat good food, stay hydrated and get enough rest. The programme is about encouraging good organisational skills and building the self-reliance and confidence you need to progress.'
The headway made by Ralph from the Lower Sixth and Frankie from the upper is testament to the effectiveness of Mr Proudfoot’ approach. Both were beginners when they arrived in Val d’Isere but had made brilliant progress by the end of the week: ‘I saw Ralph confidently on a red run on the final day,’ says Harrodian Site manager Alex Lisiecka, a member of the staff team, below centre. ‘He was absolutely flying’
The group didn’t expend all their energy on the slopes though and there was time for some aprés ski. Upper Sixther Savannah had her 18th birthday during the trip and the group celebrated by lunching at the famous ski slope restaurant La Folie Douce, following up with some live music in town later that afternoon.
