In July of this year, our year 11 pupils attended a 3 night residential trip at The Peak Centre in Edale, in the Peak District. The first of its kind for a number of years.

The event provided a great opportunity for the group to put themselves to the test by taking part in a variety of adventurous outdoor activities. Including rock climbing, raft building, rock scrambling and gorge walking. All designed to encourage team working, leadership and communication skill development. It worked! The pupils gave it their all and had a good go at every activity; some overcoming fears and challenges along the way! The pupils were involved in the household duties too, helping with the shopping, cooking and cleaning.

It was so great to witness the group come together to find a way to overcome the challenges during the week, and to watch the support and encouragement given to their peers. The whole group found the week to be a challenging, yet rewarding one, filled with fun and laughter; but a week that would equip them with many skills that would help them after leaving Kingsmead School. We are very proud of what was achieved during the week, and pleased to see the group enjoy themselves after their GCSE’s.

This was a great event for Kingsmead School, and for the pupils and staff involved. A big thank you must go to Acclimbatize and The Peak Centre for an amazing few days.

Jamie

I loved the Gorge Walking, Rock Scrambling and Caving. I liked these because they were really fun and nice to do. I also liked the staff that came because they were fun and they engaged with the activities so I am so grateful for that.

I found it funny when were in the shops and Becky asked for dried basil, I got dried basil and she said it was the basil! I enjoyed climbing the waterfall on the Gorge and scrambling on the rocks. I also enjoyed jumping in the pools. I learnt that Jamie is loud as hell! The staff are very proud of me for overcoming my fears and abseiling in the cave even though I was really scared.

Callum

Dontay

I really enjoyed the Gorge walking we did and going in the water. It was fun swimming. I didn’t want to go but with support I did and I loved it. It was good spending time with my friends. I’ve learnt how to be part of a team and help/support the rest of the group. I think other students should do this trip! It was great!