34 excited Year 10 and 11 students embarked on an unforgettable two-night residential trip to Northumberland, packed with adventure, discovery and a sprinkle of starlight magic. From the moment we arrived, the trip was full of new experiences, camaraderie and plenty of fun! Our adventure began on Friday evening with a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Kielder Observatory, where we enjoyed an exclusive three-hour private event. Under the (not so) crystal-clear skies, we gazed at the full moon, spotted Jupiter and its three glowing moons and even “walked on Mars”. Students had the chance to hold the moon (well, a model of it!) and were captivated by an inspiring talk from an astrophysicist, who opened their eyes to the wonders of the cosmos. We focused on the life and death of stars which is covered in the GCSE Physics specification. Saturday was an action-packed day at Kielder Waterside, where we embraced the great outdoors with kayaking, zip-lining, and abseiling. Despite getting thoroughly wet and cold, spirits remained high, and the laughter was contagious. As the sun set, we gathered around a crackling campfire, roasted marshmallows and sang songs—some better than others! The highlight of the evening? Discovering “Cecil – my best friend”—a moment that will forever remain a fond memory for those who were there. (If you know, you know!)The day wrapped up perfectly with a pizza night in the cozy bothies, where students enjoyed some well-earned downtime, chatting, playing games and reflecting on the adventures they’d shared. This trip wasn’t just about the activities; it was about building friendships, stepping out of comfort zones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. A massive thank you to the students for their enthusiasm and the staff for giving up their free time to make this trip possible. Here’s to the next adventure! Will you be coming?
Mrs Honeyman
Associate Assistant Headteacher