Cundall Manor Upper School News

Wednesday 5^th November

Our scuba troopers are at it again!

Saturday night saw us in Mr Chubb's car making our way up to Scotland. Three hours and a bag of Starburst later we were booking into our Travelodge (a novel experience, the Travelodge) in Berwick-upon-Tweed. After a McDonalds, and James asking at reception for a tea spoon and a pillow, we went to bed.

We woke up the next morning, way too early if you ask me, and set off to Eyemouth. At about 11am we were in the sea looking at lobsters, crabs, fish, starfish and lots and lots of seaweed. After half an hour we were out of the water and Mr Chubb and I were discovering that drysuits aren't always that dry! After warming up we all walked into Eyemouth for some lunch. We found a local fish and chip shop and sat out on the sea front. James then informed us that he managed to pay £1.80 for a £5.40 portion of chips. Typical James!

The afternoon found us crossing the border into Scotland  -  our first international dive! The next dive was amazing. I never knew that you could find white sand on the coast of the British Isles. The sea life was incredible with every colour imaginable. Lobsters, crabs and fish all in their own environment. The second dive, however, confirmed that dry suits aren't always dry! With me tipping a bucket full of water out and Mr Chubb not being far behind. It was well worth the diving though and so was the three hour drive. James and I tried to negotiate the next morning off school but Mr Chubb was having none of it!

All in all it was an amazing day and we can't wait to do it again. Well, apart from the Travelodge...

Tom Hepworth & James Bircumshaw

2009 India trip

Pupils in the Upper School attended an introductory presentation on this year's expedition to India. They heard about last year's experiences, looked at the details of this year's visit and discussed the application process they need to go through if they are interested in taking part. Applications need to be in by Monday 10^th November. The successful applicants will be announced on Friday 14^th November.

J Kempton

GCSE Drama theatre trip

Described as a ‘modern day classic',  John Godber's Bouncers is one of those ‘must see' productions for the twenty-first century teenager. Set in the good ol' days of the 1980's the play describes the antics of four bouncers in a northern nightclub and the various stereotypes that set out to enjoy ‘Friday night!' Our GCSE drama group were spellbound by the incredible energy, focus and physicality of the actors from Reform Theatre group on Saturday.  This type of theatre involves direct interaction with the audience and we were sitting ducks on the second row of the stalls (Alex Eadon coped magnificently as one of the actors singled him out during the performance!). With only four performers switching into a myriad different roles at the drop of a hat, the play could be a real trial to watch. However, with the clever use of music, lights and minimal props the actors took us from hairdressers to barbers, from girls on the dance floor to rugby club supporters, each scene choreographed to within an inch of its life. A real lesson in Epic Theatre and a fantastic afternoon's entertainment.

D.Riddell

 Operation Christmas Child - Shoe box appeal

This year the Upper School are making a concerted effort to bolster the whole school's contribution to the OCC Shoebox appeal. Pupils in some forms are each supplying a complete box whilst other forms are working collaboratively to supply the contents for their shoeboxes (and benefitting from the economies of scale!). If you see your child slip an extra tube of toothpaste, pair of socks or gloves, comb or notepad into your supermarket trolley, or bulk-buying hair bands and bangles in Primark, or raiding their old toy cupboard for toy cars and trucks that haven't been touched in years, please rest assured, it's all for a very worthy cause. (If you would like more information about the OCC Shoebox Appeal, and inspiration for filling a box, you can log on their website at perationchristmaschild.org.uk)