Hooke Court - May 2011
Day 1
Year 6 have arrived safely at Hooke Court, and enjoyed their first day. Every child has written an entry for their ‘Reflection Diary’ before going to bed. Here are some of the children’s comments.
“My first day at Hooke Court has been so fun. When we first arrived here we could see the nicely cut grass from miles away... The staff here are really kind and good at explaining things. I miss my mum, cats and sister but I am having really good fun and I will be sad to leave.” Freya, B6
“I am really happy at Hooke Court now. I knew from the moment I stepped out of the coach the next few days were going to be great”, Rebecca, F6
“We also went shelter building. I think our group went really well – we all put our heads together and our hearts into what we were doing”. Carly, F6
“[Building a shelter] has been amazing. I thought that our shelter was outstanding, even though there were some really good shelters around me. We made a name for our tribe, we were called the Mumbi Tribe. Over all we had an amazing and fun filled day.” Reece, B6
“Nightline... This activity was great because it showed how much trust there is in Year 6, and it was mixed boys and girls.” Ben H, F6
“Nightline was the best bit of Hooke Court – it was outstanding. Hannah was telling us off but she was a really good leader” Luke, B6
“Hannah was really good [guiding the nightline] when she was telling Luke H and James G off and that was really hilarious” Ella, F6
“Our last activity of the day was the night walk. It was good fun even though it wasn’t really dark. We even saw real deer tracks – they’re called leaps. It’s been brilliant!” Olivia, B6
“Tonight it was a great experience doing the night walk and we saw lots of interesting things. Me and some others saw a dear sprint across the field like a lightning bolt.” Nathan, B6
“I wonder what tomorrow will hold...” Maddie, F6.
“All I can say is: bring on tomorrow, because if it’s as good as today, it will be worth doing.” Sam, F6
Day 2
Today the Year 6 children faced a number of challenges in their activities. Organised into’Army’, ‘Navy’ and ‘RAF’ teams, they had to build a bridge across the moat using only some rope and 6 wooden poles. Based on personality traits (the Army contained many of the strongest characters, for example) the composition of the teams really tested the children’s ability to work together. One instructor who has been welcoming Longwell Green to Hooke Court for many years commented that team-work,or ‘Togetherness’ as we now often call it, has noticeably developed into a real strength in recent times. Here is a selection of the children’s views about their day, which included other difficult tasks such as building a raft and orienteering as well as the chance for children who had not already taken part in the Nightline or Night Walk activities to do so.
“I really enjoyed trying to Bridge the Moat. We managed to do it. I was in the Army group but at the end Jill said I was a bit of all of [the personality types]: Army, R.A.F. and Navy. Mrs Watts said it was a complement. Our team lost but still it was great fun doing it.” Elliot L, F6
“Finally we had a nature walk where we found wild garlic, a fox glove, a badger set, a fox hole and then saw a peacock, pheasant, a baby deer and a fox. We’re having a great time.” Ben C, F6
“It was amazing building a raft but super scary to row on the lake.” Abbey, B6
“I am really happy today.” Dan, B6
“The best part was the exciting race of bridging the moat.” Adam, B6
“Raft building was really fun. We had to tie crates together and then put them in the water. I oared and we were going round in circles. Luckily I had somebody to help me row (Curtis). Lois was on the back. Both me and Lois thought we were gonna drown but we had life jackets.” Millie, B6
“For the orienteering our group was both the Ellies and me. The best bit was running all around the place but also keeping a close eye.” Curtis, B6
“Although it wasn’t dark [on the nightwalk] we did see a beautiful brown deer in the distance. It was a nice, calm walk and I really enjoyed it.” Charley, F6
“Me and Rebecca went orienteering. It was like we were pirates looking for treasure. Then we went looking for numbers, though I said to Rebecca, ‘Haven’t we passed this one already?’. And then we both sat down to have a very long thoughtful think.” Issy, B6
“Today had to be the day I would remember about Hooke Court. In Bridging the Moat we were the Navy and we won every challenge.” Dan T, F6
“Today my favourite activity was raft building because I never thought any teachers would let us build our own boat, then let us get into a pond which was super deep.” Georgia, B6
“I’ve had the best day in the world and my life. I can’t believe in leaving Hooke Court tomorrow! I don’t want to leave!” Lauren, F6
|
