Cundall Manor Upper School News

Wednesday 20^th May 2009

 After last week's reports on Leckby's Salcombe trip, and on Thornton's GCSE progress, the spotlight now turns to Eldmire, who have been particularly busy recently:

Eldmire D of E trip

On a rainy Saturday the whole of Eldmire arrived in school with bulging rucksacks, so they were not amused to be asked to unpack and pack them all over again with added tents and trangias. Soon everything was loaded into the trailer and we set out for Middleton in Teesdale where our walk was to start.

The first leg alongside the river through woodland and fields was quite picturesque but very damp and slippy under foot as some found out to their cost. A relaxing lunch under the trees kept off some of the rain but after climbing away from the river the paths became more exposed. By early afternoon the rain was lashing and the winds howled. At the halfway point the groups were "freed" from close staff supervision and set off on their own, to be observed from further off.

The weather improved as did everyone's spirits and the final group crossing the moor at the end of the afternoon were greeted by Mr Kempton and Mrs Heyes having a relaxing cup of tea in the sunshine.

The campsite was great - perhaps a bit basic in its facilities - but this was more than compensated for by the fireplace and ample wood supply. Here hitherto undiscovered talents were revealed. Dickie Harland is a skilled fire lighter, Patrick set to work with an axe and Will Kirby was an expert "Branch Leaper", choosing to break oversized wood down by jumping on it. One particularly energetic attempt landed him flat on the ground, to the mirth of all around. Henry Kearl was both Master Camper and Master Chef. The girls had thoughtfully brought marshmallows which we enjoyed toasted in the fire.

Next day the groups had planned their own route cards and went on slightly different journeys. However they all gathered together in Barnard Castle for a welcome meal of fish and chips before setting off back to school. So now it's on with the planning for the real thing in the Malhamdale/Wharefdale area on 25th and 26th June. Put it in your diaries and keep your fingers crossed for sunshine. J Heyes D of E Co-ordinator

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Eldmire art students took a trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park last week to explore the nature of sculpture and location. A resident artist gave us a guided tour of the park, helping us understand and discuss works by Barbara Hepworth, Sophie Ryder and Henry Moore amongst others. The day was a bit damp but the pupils weren't put off by this. They threw themselves into the workshop session, where they created their own sculptures based on keywords derived from their thoughts on the exhibits they had seen around the park.  They worked in groups and produced some very original, creative and large (!) pieces of work.

We are looking forward to out next art trip to Staithes near Whitby on Tuesday 30^th June.

J Smith

Henry, Dickie and Alex P contemplate the eternal  ‘nature versus art' conundrum.

Alex E isn't too sure about the ‘tree art'.