The start of term is always an exciting time, particularly for our Middle and Upper Prep pupils as they head out for their Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) adventures. Year 5 began their LOTC experience with a trip to Plymouth and a visit to the museum, The Box, where they explored an exhibition by local artist Gillian Ayres. Her vibrant abstract work, celebrating the joy of colour, provided plenty of inspiration as pupils settled down on the gallery floor with their art books to create sketches of their own.
With hi-vis vests on, the group then made their way along Plymouth’s waterfront to the National Marine Aquarium, where marine expert Georgia welcomed them and led a fascinating guided tour of the incredible marine life within. Friday, the giant sea turtle, made an appearance right on cue, as did Zeus the zebra shark, much to the pupils’ delight. Through the aquarium’s impressive variety of tanks, pupils were transported to oceans around the world. At times, the best thing to do was to look up through the glass and watch in wonder as an extraordinary array of marine life swam overhead.
The pupils then put their technical and creative skills to work, using studio animation and stop-motion photography to produce their own short films. Each group focused on the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans, exploring the challenges it presents and the steps that can be taken to help tackle the problem.
There was plenty of excitement as the group arrived at Parkwood that evening and pupils settled into their dorms for the night. Sean and Aiden from Simply Outdoors led a session on cooking with Trangia stoves, with each group taking responsibility for preparing their own pasta dinner. Of course, there was an added incentive to get the washing-up finished – jam doughnuts were waiting once everything was clean and tidy!
After the excitement of sharing dorms with friends, Friday morning began with the treat of a full English breakfast at the College before heading off to the beach. With bags packed and safely stowed in the minibuses, the group headed to Bigbury-on-Sea for a morning of surfing with Discovery Surf School. The smiles on the pupils’ faces as they made their way through the white water were testament to their sense of adventure, their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and the kindness they showed in encouraging and supporting one another.
After two busy days packed with art, marine life, creativity, cooking, friendship and adventure, it was perhaps no surprise that the journey home was a much quieter affair – with plenty of pupils catching up on some well-earned sleep!
Article written by Mrs Buckett.
