Year 3 Eco Day and Camping
n In the lead up to the Year 3 Eco Day and Camp on Eller Bank, the BBC Weather site was hot with hits from the SE21 area. Could the weather really be as bad as predicted? In May? Kit lists had been revised and extra wet-weather provision and additional layers were requested: a second change of clothes became a third. It was fast becoming like preparing for an actual Antarctic expedition. In the event, the day dawned pretty much as forecast: gusty winds preventing Ms Gordon cycling to school, and skies as grey as any driech day you could hope to find in the north of Scotland in mid-winter. And yet, the energy, enthusiasm and excitement emanating from the Year 3 boys was bright enough to dispel any raincloud on the horizon. These forces were matched only by the dynamism of Miss Rollins. Undaunted by the ominous forecast and aided by the strength of her very able assistant Mrs Greenaway, she arrived at school with the determination and willpower of any Antarctic explorer. Miss Rollins’ desire that the Year 3s had an action-packed day, followed by a night away with friends after the country had been stricken for so long with COVID rules and lockdown, was ultimately what made this trip happen. Themorning startedwitha visit to the James Caird and an excellent presentation from our in-house Archives Team. The boys were enraptured. Who wouldn’t be? That Dulwich has this beautiful boat in its midst, still sailing apparently, is both inspirational and breath- taking. The tales of its adventures and endurance provided food for thought and much discussion. The afternoon put theory and thought into practice. With the help of ReallyWild Bushcraft the boys learned how to make survival shelters, discovered food treasures in Dulwich Woods including hawthorn, nettles and wild garlic and sparked fires with batteries. It was child-heaven! If this wasn’t enough, having collected gear packed in rucksacks twice the size of many, they marched to Eller Bank to make their night-time camp. We are very grateful to the D of E team for providing tents, which 44 seven-year-olds could just about manage to erect in gale force winds. That so many loved the experience was a joy to behold. We are also indebted to DUCKS for providing us with warmth and four walls, when cold and wet could really have dampened the good cheer. Thanks must also go to our 24-hour catering team, who gave sustenance to staff at just the right time. We feel, however, that we were not defeated. Just before bedtime, we managed to grill sausages and marshmallows around a makeshift fire and were treated to the Campfire Blues from Mr Goodrich and his trusted guitar. Shackleton would be proud of these young Alleynians. They joined in, did the right thing, strived for excellence and cared for each other in a way that was a delight to observe. Education really is so much more than the classroom. We firmly believe that the values that our School espouses are alive and well in our community.
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