Just a few weeks after starting at the School, QE’s youngest pupils had the chance to bond with others in their year-group during a day out at an adventure park.
The trip to Stubbers in Upminster, Essex, was designed to stretch the newest Elizabethans, but also to teach them teamwork and provide plenty of fun.
A now-annual fixture within the calendar of QE Flourish – the School’s extra-curricular and co-curricular programme – the trip was split over two days, with Broughton, Harrisons’ and Leicester Houses going on the first occasion, and Pearce, Stapylton and Underne on the second.
Assistant Head (Pupil Involvement) Crispin Bonham-Carter said: “The Year 7s seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their day, which is designed to give them an opportunity to make new connections with their QE contemporaries in a different setting.
“A range of outdoor activities challenged them physically (at times), while also developing teamwork, collaboration and communication. The boys really threw themselves into the different exercises.”
This half-term has also seen Year 10 head to Aberdovey in Wales for an Outward Bound Trust weekend. “That is another trip during which boys benefit from getting out – both out into the fresh air and out of their comfort zone!” said Mr Bonham-Carter.
Among the Year 7 boys who headed to Stubbers was Mohammed Fahad, from Stapylton House.
He enjoyed the short coach ride there, “with everyone buzzing about the activities ahead”. On arrival, it was straight into boats for a kayaking session on the river. “The water was calm in some places, making it easy to paddle, but some sections had stronger currents that added a bit of excitement. It was the perfect way to take in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying fresh air.”
Their energy restored by lunch, the boys headed to the artificial climbing wall. “It was a challenge, but I still managed to reach the top both times, thanks to my light weight and agility. That felt like a great achievement.”
Next his half year-group explored a man-made cave, led by a tour guide. That was followed by a testing ball game – “a fun way to unwind,” said Mohammed.
“We wrapped up the day with an outdoor game of laser tag. Things got funny when we realised some players seemed ‘immortal’ – their headsets were not registering any hits. Confusing at first – but we soon turned it into a joke, and laughed as we tried to outsmart the invincible players.
“By the time we got back on the coach at 5:30pm, I was very tired but happy, having experienced kayaking, climbing, cave exploration and a dramatic game of laser tag all in one activity-packed day.”
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