Surf, sand and success
What a week! Our Year 6 pupils had a fantastic residential trip to Newquay that was packed full of laughter, sunshine and plenty of memories that will last for years to come.
After the long coach journey down to Cornwall, there was no better way to burn off some energy than at the Aqua Park. The group raced around the giant inflatables, splashed, slipped and laughed their way through the course, enjoying every minute. That evening, they headed down to a local beach. With the tide well out, there was an enormous stretch of sand for everyone to enjoy. It was wonderful to see Year 6 simply being children; cricket matches appeared, football games sprang up, sandcastle competitions became fiercely contested, the annual staff game of Kubb returned, and, of course, there were plenty of ambitious hole-digging projects underway! It was one of those evenings where everyone found something they loved, and it was fantastic to see the group spending quality time together.
On day two, Year 6 visited Swanpool for an action-packed day of coasteering and paddleboarding. Each attendee embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, encouraging one another throughout and making the most of the beautiful conditions. A well-earned ice cream after lunch certainly went down a treat before they rounded off the afternoon with a delicious beach BBQ. Unfortunately, the journey home didn’t quite go to plan. Whilst the coach managed to provide some very welcome air conditioning, it didn’t have quite enough energy left to get everyone all the way back! This resulted in an unexpected stop at a nearby park while everyone waited for a replacement coach. Perhaps not part of the original itinerary, but a perfect introduction to the delights of a replacement bus service when least expected! In truth, everyone took it all in their stride, enjoying the chance to relax in the shade with a cooling breeze after another very warm day. Despite the delay, the group made it back just in time for kick-off in the England match, with some pupils settling down to watch the first half while others opted for board games and a quieter evening.
Day three saw Year 6 enjoying a visit to Camel Creek Adventure Park, which was delightfully quiet. Our pupils relished the opportunity to explore with their friends, taking full advantage of the rides with minimal queueing. After another warm day, the evening ended at the local swimming pool, where the slides proved just as popular as the attractions they had enjoyed earlier.
The final full day brought a trip to the beach for a surfing session. Conditions were ideal, and it was incredible to witness the progress made by every pupil. Confidence grew with each wave, and there were smiles all round as new skills were developed and personal achievements celebrated.
Throughout the week, the group received numerous compliments from activity instructors, members of the public and staff at the various venues visited. Their excellent manners, positive attitudes and willingness to embrace every opportunity earned widespread praise, and they were a tremendous credit to The Beacon. They represented the school superbly and should be immensely proud of the way they conducted themselves.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the staff who gave up their time to make the residential possible. The trip was a memorable experience for everyone involved, and Year 6 returned home with wonderful memories.
