Our Y11 GCSE French cohort usually get the opportunity to visit Paris as part of their course this half-term but the COVID restrictions meant booking this was impossible,
Even so, we were keen for the cohort to get the chance to bond together, take time away as a group, and to build up rapport with key teachers as they push towards the Summer exams.
The Edale residential saw over 80 Year 11 students engage in a range of outward bounds activities including Night Hikes, Caving, Abseiling and High Ropes – the challenges were certainly adult level and were not for the faint-hearted. Even so, students and staff ploughed through them together and there wasn’t anyone who didn’t take home a new experience from the weekend.
Sophie Grigg, Head of MFL, said: “GCSE French is a key component of the E-Bacc status which is held esteem by many universities and this weekend was designed to inspire students in helping them reach this academic benchmark. There were staff from all the subjects involved and the sense of team on the weekend will certainly be perpetuated as we roll through the last weeks and months before the final exams.”
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “This cohort have missed out so much due to COVID and we were keen to get them out-and-about as soon as could to remind them that life is about fun, new experiences and challenges. There is no doubt whether it is top-end exams or the depth of a Peak District caves, these students can excel and we’ll be going all out to help them achieve their best.”
