Winston makes a Splash
Towards the end of the last half term our Year 7 students embarked on their first Winston residential. Newquay in Cornwall was the destination and having fun was top of our agenda. We were fortunate to benefit from the last few days of glorious sunshine before the heavens opened with an abundance of rain!
A huge thank you to Mrs Jones and Mrs Walton for leading this trip and to the staff team , who ensured that everyone had a great time.
This residential was mainly water-based and we visited 3 great beaches - Tolcarne, Swanpool and Fistral. On these beaches our Year 7 students learnt so many new skills, namely how to surf; how to bodyboard; how to kayak; and how to paddleboard. New-found confidence immersed from all of our students as every single one participated in the coasteering activity. Each student literally took the plunge as they jumped off the Cornish cliffs into the sea. They all reappeared with huge, satisfying smiles on their faces and cheers from everyone supporting and urging one another on.
This strong sense of positivity and support between this year's Year 7 group is what caught the attention of the company we work with for our Newquay residential program. In his own words, Dany Duncan, Founder of ElementalUK expressed "We have been running trips for the Winston Churchill school for many, many years now and I have to say that the group that came down to Cornwall this summer was certainly one of the best I have ever encountered. From the staff team to the pupils, the whole trip was a pleasure to be part of. It's not often that the instructors come back in and compliment how fantastic the kids were on session but it happened with great frequency for this Winston group. More of the same please!!"
Off the water the students performed in our talent show, competed in several beach games, tested their knowledge in our animated film quiz and celebrated 4 student's birthdays at our end of residential disco.
We are extremely proud of this group of students who overcame so many fears whilst away from home. It was so lovely to see new friendships being made, everyone overcoming 'stuckness' (Skill no. 7 in the Winston Competencies), resilience being strengthened and independence growing in abundance. This residential will provide great memories for them and reaffirms that they have the ability to achieve anything. What makes it more memorable is when you are surrounded by such a supportive and inspirational group of great young people.
