Ardeche Day 1

After a delayed journey down we finally made it to Segries at 10am this morning. We were weary and achy after our 19 hour coach trip but this was nothing a cold shower, freshen up and a pain au chocolate couldn't fix.


After some river training and a substantial lunch we headed out on the coach to the river to begin our decent. Two by two we wove down the river testing our skills on the rapids, developing our ability as we went. Rock jumps and games including 'washing machine' and 'tekken' meant that students were having a lovely time even if (for the first time in years) the sun didn't want to come out! We are now praying for the sun to show its face tomorrow!

Alternative Latymer Day 1

Our game trio, Tess Rodger (Year 7), Masha Maslova (Year 7) and  Kassim Nurmohamed (Year 10) had a brilliant day exploring the Natural History Museum in the morning with Mrs Leicester and the Science Museum in the afternoon with Mrs Snelling.

The day started by the group gaining inspiration for their photography course with Mrs Hillis Maidment with a tour of the Wildlife Photography of the Year exhibition and a whistle stop tour through some of the other rooms. 

After a yummy picnic in the glorious sunshine it was time to take to the sky. Masha and Tess braved the Flight 360 Jet simulator whilst Mrs Snelling and Kassim took a virtual trip with Tim Peake on a space mission - incredible! 

 

The rest of the afternoon was spent returning to childhood and riding down the Wonder Lab slides, trying out the various hands on exhibits and even giggling at Tess being a rocket for the Rocket show demo! Sadly no picture of that!

Kassim, particularly deserves a mention as he was great company despite being stuck with a teacher and two Year 7 girls who are best-friends!

Gredos Day 3

Today, we were divided into two groups. Half of us walked down into the valley to the ropes park and kitted up in harness and helmet. After a demonstration of how to use the carabiners and pulleys, we zip-lined into the trees and then had a fantastic time making our way along the course. Meanwhile, the other group were briefed on different techniques for navigation across country and then used these skills to reach our lunchtime picnic spot.

After a gourmet meal in dappled sunlight amongst the pines, the two sides swapped activities, returning to the Gredos Centre in time to top up tans and have a well-deserved shower before supper.

Gredos Day 2

This morning started with a terrific breakfast at 8am, followed by a split into four groups. Each group is taking part in a carousel of different activities over the next three days. We started with either horse riding, cookery and t-shirt painting, archery and community service, or mountain biking. The weather started off overcast and cool but later the clouds parted to let in the sunshine. Needless to say, after a busy morning, everyone was very ready for lunch by 2pm!

In the afternoon, some intermittent showers came through but we managed to dodge most of them as we completed our second round of activities. There are some awesome painted t-shirts drying in the craft room and we are looking forward to tucking into our “home-made” spanish tortilla at supper this evening.

Everyone has enjoyed their day of various challenges and new experiences. We are gathered in the common room, recounting our tales to each other and signing Noah’s birthday card (shhh, don’t tell him!). The evening meal is about to start and we are all ravenous. Wow! Great meal and birthday cake! Good night, more tomorrow.

Ireland Surf and Turf - Day 1

We've arrived in Shannon and are en route to the activities centre for the surf and turf trip!

Snowdonia - Day 1

Groups 1&2 before doing some Gorge Walking...notice that we are dry in this 'before' photo!

At the base of a waterfall after a morning shower 

Anna and Margaux are well up for the challenge!

Academic Mentoring Dept leading from the front as Sian Weldon leaps from a cliff!

Battlefields by Bike

Arrived feeling energised. Off we go!

London Multi-sports - Day 1

Today the pupils are doing sailing, windsurfing and kayaking at Queen Mary's Reservoir in West London. We have beautiful weather and it is a great start to the week!

Gredos - Day 1

Leaving Britain's overcast skies behind, we stepped out of the plane into burning sunshine at Madrid airport, and a ninety minute coach journey took us to the fabulous  medieval, walled town of Avila. Here, we took advantage of the many cafes and restaurants to eat a late lunch, with ice cream being a popular desert!

From Avila, the coach took us up into the Sierra de Gredos mountains. The scenery is spectacular, but after the early start and a long day's travel, we were glad to arrive at our home for the next five days - the legendary Gredos Centre. After unpacking and familiarising ourselves with the safety regulations, we had time to relax and explore the grounds before supper.  

The evening meal was great, especially the fresh, local cherries; delicious! The sun has now gone down and it is pleasantly cooler after a very hot day. Shortly heading for our bunks for a well-earned rest! 

Lunch stop in Avila

Activities Week 2017

Bags packed, weather forecast checked, coaches loaded, goodbyes said - they're off! One of Latymer Upper School's best traditions - Activities Week - is underway! Follow the AW blog for the day's highlights throughout this week.