The Form 6’s Leavers’ Programme started with an exhilarating trip to the Ardèche region in France. The children took part in activities such as kayaking, river walking, night-line, climbing and abseiling with a two day canoe descent of the Ardèche River with an overnight bivouac being the highlight of the week. The Choristers also had their own schedule of fun and varied activities during trips week as they remained in the UK due to their Choir commitments.
The two day descent involved camping under the stars on an overnight bivouac and, after learning the basics, the children set off downstream in stages, paddling in small groups with a dedicated river team ensuring everyone got the most from their experience. Another highlight was the abseiling which required trust, courage and confidence and was a dynamic way to learn about controlling risk.
One of the Leavers commented, “The absent down the river in France was particularly beautiful and is a memory that will last with me.” Another pupil said, “The Ardèche was an incredible experience with new friendships being formed and current ones strengthened.”
The jam-packed Leavers’ Programme included activities such as: a juggling workshop, Scottish dancing, debating, tai chi, an African Day workshop, a drumming workshop, a first aid course, a personal safety and self-defence course, a talk from a local MP, a geodesic dome construction workshop, a money workshop, a drugs education morning, sketching next to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and a workshop at The Globe Theatre, amongst many more activities. The children also organised and ran a Charities Morning fête and raised £832.19 for Humanitas charity. Their Animal Encounters session involved handling a range of animals and they also enjoyed a walking tour of Cambridge. In the final few days the children visited Wicksteed Park and Parkside Pool and also performed at both the Leavers' Plays and Concert.
Trip organiser, Mr Steve Harding said, “Every year we see the children complete the programme and head for pastures new with fears conquered, friendships strengthened, confidence at an all-time high and an infectious optimism as they approach the next stage of their journeys into senior school and beyond. The Leavers' Programme gives Form 6 the chance to say their proper farewells to friends and staff.”
