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Castle Gardens Primary School, Newtownards

P7 Trip to Greenhill

31st May 2024

This week 36 of our P7 pupils have been at the Greenhill YMCA centre in Newcastle on a 2-night residential trip.

They have had a fantastic time bouldering in the rivers, abseiling, zooming down the zipline and trying out lots of new activities. Two nights away from home for some is a real challenge but when I visited yesterday they were all having such a brilliant time together. This trip is such a great way for the children to step out of their comfort zones and try something new, especially something like jumping into a cold river!

The support and encouragement the children offered each other is even more pleasing to see than their participation in the activities especially when someone has stepped down from the edge. Behaviour has been fantastic and I am considering installing a zipline in the P7 classrooms as I couldn't believe how quiet as they zoomed off into the forest.

A wonderful group of instructors kept the pupils safe throughout the trip and a word of thanks must go them for making the activities so much fun.

Special thanks must go to the staff who made the trip possible - Mrs Wilson, Mrs Alcorn, Miss Martin, Mr Stewart and Mrs Moore - giving up their time to spend two nights with the pupils to ensure they are safe, not too homesick, taking their medications, organised with the correct kit and able to try these new things. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and without them the trip simply would not be possible. Mrs Wilson in particular who has organised the entire trip, maximising the experience for the children and providing reassurance for all the parents deserves an extra mention.

The children are home today at lunchtime with bag loads of dirty clothes and memories that will last a lifetime. P7 parents have been able to see lots of photos from the last few days on Class Dojo.