On Tuesday 5th November 2019, Miss Brierley and Miss Freebairn took two boys’ Cross Country teams to an event at Marple Hall School. The boys ran a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometres and were ranked individually and as teams.
Out of 11 schools, our Thorn Grove ‘A’ team came 3rd and our Thorn Grove ‘B’ team came 9th. Two of our boys also finished within the top 10 of over 40 runners. Well done to the boys for putting in a fantastic effort!
Day 3:
The day of reckoning; the final day; the day when the rain came; the day when everyone had just gotten used to eating an unfeasibly large, but delightful breakfast before attempting rather strenuous physical activity; and the day unfortunately, we had to sadly return home.
But sadness was the emotion furthest from the children thoughts; the children were as hungry as a wolf and ready to devour the breakfast and the trials that lay ahead. Team ‘Year Six’ were into the groove and ready to recall the glory days of Wednesday and Thursday and finish, quite rightly, as the heroes we knew they had become.
The children had an energy that was simply irresistible, the centre bristled with excitement and the groups felt like they could rule the world. As the rain began to fall even heavier, the determination of the pupils was like a rolling stone– gathering pace – and in the corridors of Robinwood, conversation crackled, like electricity, as the Thorn Grove pupils put aside toxic, fearful thoughts of the impending end to the trip to discuss the previous day’s events and those that were yet to come.
“Trapeze was amazing” “Another day here would be amazing” “Another hash brown and some more bacon would be amazing!” “Why is Mr Wilson so amazing at climbing, archery and trapeze and Miss Nuttall, Mrs Dewar, Miss Karim and Mr Chandler so rubbish!” (This last one was made up, but it was worth a try when you are as poor at these things as I am!) were all heard as they children excitedly milled around awaiting the new adventures the final morning was ready to deliver.
The whole group, who had grown, from what seemed like absolute beginners, strode confidently forwards, knowing that today was the chance to go your own way and squeeze out every last ounce of enjoyment from the opportunities that lay ahead. They had visibly broader shoulders, chins that were raised and hearts that swelled with pride and satisfaction. Nothing’s going to stop us now was the attitude they exuded and the Thorn Grove staff watched with glee as they strutted around the centre with an air of self-assurance that showed they were ready for anything.
The rain (as if presenting itself as a final challenge) tested the resolve of some of the groups. However instead of saturating spirits, it merely lifted them and the children blossomed in the summer rain like powerful plants refreshed and ready to reach higher. As the three fantastic groups, completed their final challenges the only thing larger than the smiles on the faces of the children were the huge experiences they were taking home with them. The last meal was consumed, the instructors thanked (Andy, Sarah and Annie, you were irreplaceable, magnificent and truly wonderful with the children) and goodbyes exchanged
Year six sprung towards the coach and stepped aboard
The weight of this experience could not be judged using scales or mathematical reasoning.
It could only be judged by the sheer enormity of wonderful memories the experience had produced; the friendships that had been cemented; and the smiles, laughter and happiness both these things will continue to deliver
Farewell Robinwood….. you challenged us, you excited us, you drove us to new heights and we will never forget you, so please don’t you forget about us…
May I take this opportunity to thank: the children – you were magnificent; the staff (Mrs Karim, Mrs Dewar, Mr Chandler, Miss Nuttall, Mrs Jeddal and Mrs De-Moulpied – there is no way the children could have such a wonderful experience without your help, support and dedication; the parents – your children are a credit to you and represented you amazingly; and finally, the Robinwood staff, who are simply brilliant.
Mr Wilson
Day 2:
This morning we were woken by the brooding presence of grey clouds lurking menacingly overhead, however inside the brightness of the children’s smiles and the infectious waves of joyful laughter staved off any thoughts that may have dampened spirits and dulled expectations.
Team year six, fully re-energised after a relaxing evening snooze, sauntered merrily to breakfast to be met by their next mammoth challenge- how to conquer the amazing cooked breakfast, toast and beverages. Unfortunately, this was no match for the hungry hordes and they demolished the feast and were left hungry for only one thing- the activities that lay ahead on day two.
Year six strode purposefully forward: bonds were strengthened; new friendships forged; happiness danced around the centre; and the stories of the previous days quests were spoken about with awe and wonder. Yet, yesterday had disappeared and there were new stories to write; new adventures to complete; and new challenges to overcome…
Day two was upon us and more memories were ready to be made…
The groups slithered through the gnarled spiraling passages of the caves; squeezed skillfully and manipulated themselves masterfully through the cracks and crevices of the prehistoric old glacial rock formations that stand atop of the hills overlooking the centre; created feats of structural engineering and skyscrapers of a truly colossal nature in crate challenge; and pondered the perilous puzzles that awaited them in the Dungeon of Doom.
A wonderful lunch and dinner was consumed, but these moments sped by as children excitedly refueled before their next activities; their appetite for the next challenges, the only hunger that could not be satisfied by the amazing food
The stamina of our intrepid adventurous was impressive and year six stormed on wards. Even the blustery weather and intermittent rain, couldn’t slow the juggernaut of joy that careered towards late evening.
The only thing that did eventually serve to stop the groups was time – the moon peered jealously down on the centre; envious of the simply amazing happenings it had witnessed and the darkness ushered the jubilant, but weary masses to bed.
Day Two was a triumph – now for day three!
Yesterday, 7th March, Year 6 took part in World Book Day. The whole school was involved in sharing stories and some amazing visitors (Sports coaches, Pets and the Governors) also shared their favourite books and tales with the children
During the day the Year 6 class participated in a wide variety of book-related activities:
We initially looked at Harry Potter and played Quidditch (Unfortunately in the Hall due to the weather) and we decided that it was a brilliant game that we’d play more of
Following Quidditch, we shared our stories with Year 3
After this, we read a section from the ‘Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins and became a district of Panem. We helld our own ‘reaping’ and worked out the probability that we may be picked as tributes. Dehean and Chloe ended up being our entrants in the imaginary ‘Hunger Games’.
In the afternoon, we read a section of the Time Machine by H.G Wells and became time travellers, speeding back through time finding out amazing facts about the past.
As our final activity we finished the school story (each class created a section on a magical tale) we have attached this below.
It was a great day
This evening our determined and committed Year 5 and 6 athletes competed in the Stockport Sportshall Athletics heats at Hazel Grove High School.
Despite losing one of their inspirational coaches (Mr Godwin) to a late unexpected injury. The squad battled on under the watchful eye of Assistant Coach (Mrs Bennett) and late stand-in, Mr Wilson.
The athletes worked wonderfully as a team and narrowly missed out on victories in the individual events. Athletics is a sport decided by hundredths of seconds and millimetres in distance and our squad competed valiantly all evening.
We finished 5th and special mentions must go to Orla and Rayan, who received special awards for their individual performances.
On Friday, Year 6 were very lucky (or not so lucky if they had to wear the regimental gas masks!) to be visited by Colour Sergeant Cooke from the Museum of the Manchester Regiment.
As part of our work on conflict and how it has affected Manchester, Sergeant Cooke helped us understand what it would be like to be a soldier form Manchester called up to fight in the First World War.
The visit was amazing and we had our chance to wear, handle and use the equipment that the soldiers would have used in the war.
All the artefacts and equipment was genuine and it was both extremely interesting, and quite harrowing, to hear some of the stories of the men and women from Manchester who took part in the Great War.
Here are some of the pictures showing year 6 using the equipment and working with Sergeant Cooke.
