WOW! What an amazing couple of days our Key Stage 4 pupils had on their residential! Some students and staff were very lucky to be able to spend some quality time at The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust - CAFT - in Altrincham, this week.
Day one - we wasted no time in exploring the site and all it had to offer, making the most of the glorious sunshine! The students enjoyed playing football, zip wiring and the park area, before tucking in to a delicious lunch and fresh fruit platters. The students we then treated to a visit to the animals where they fed alpacas, pigs, goats and walked the donkeys. We then ventured in to the woodland area to visit the aviary, explore den building, crafts and games. The pupils and staff were given the unique experience of toasting marshmallows around an open fire pit, to make their own smores! We finished a very busy day first day with relaxation and down time in “The Hangout” room, before settling down for the night.
Day 2 started off strong with a hearty breakfast and a visit to the sports centre! The students (and staff) had so much fun on the giant bouncy castle slide and obstacle course, playing basketball and enjoying the on-site refreshments. For lunch, the students made, decorated and ate some freshly made pizzas before enjoying a walk in the fresh air and some more time at the park.
We were delighted to be joined by our headteacher Rachel on the evening who joined in the adventure with us.
After some relaxation, cupcake decorating and an evening meal, there was no rest for the wicked as we all headed into woodland some for much needed dancing and fun. The rain did make and appearance but this didn’t dampen our spirits!
The pupils enjoyed an evening under the giant woodland tee-pee where we danced, laughed and were treated by Chris to hot chocolates and cookies. After an evening of dancing the night away to the one and only Michael Buble, we headed back The Hangout to put our feet up on the sofas to watch Matilda before saying goodnight.
The fun didn’t stop there! Our third and final day was filled with non-stop rewarding experiences for our students, where they enjoyed the games room, sensory den, allotment and feeding the on site sheep!
We had lots of new experiences on our residential - some expected, and some not so much, but all exciting and supporting students to develop independence and resilience.
By the end of our trip, we left with some very tired pupils and staff… But we also left with smiles on our faces and memories to last a lifetime.
Key stage 4 students you were all amazing and you were all a credit to Newfield, as always!