Cundall Manor Upper School News

Wednesday 3^rd July 2009

Expedition Excellence

From the campsite at Cracoe near Grassington, we watched group after group of sprightly, suntanned walkers arriving with smiles on their faces and a spring in their step.

Was this really D of E?                                                   

On the practice walk we had suffered driving wind and rain but last week the weather could not have been better. Everyone had made their way independently across Malham Moor, enjoyed cooling their feet in the stream and observed geological features or tourist potential or simply kept a video diary.

They set to, pitching tents. During this simple process one or two adaptations had to be made to compensate for missing items of equipment and all pleas for help were ignored, because after all ‘The Assessor' might turn up at any time. It all goes to show what a resourceful group they can be. Gourmet award goes to Henry Kearl's groups who used his Cordon Bleu experience to muster up an ambitious three course meal. The highlight of another team was Bolognese sauce with additional "herbs".  That group's entire main course tipped off the trangia and I witnessed Harriet's incredible quick thinking in spooning it all back!

After supper the Frisby players came into their own, working off all that excess energy (energy?) in the massive camp field.  It was a great evening for us all only slightly marred by those MIDGES!

Then there was the mystery of  ‘The Assessor'.  They knew that he (or was it she?) had observed them during the day, even eavesdropped on a conversation from behind a wall. They knew he must have visited the campsite (because that's what assessors do). But it wasn't the old man who stopped his car, nor the woman on the campsite. Eventually the last groups arrived at Gargrave and ‘The Assessor' revealed himself - Mr Kempton!  There was no doubt that all groups had well and truly fulfilled all the conditions of the Award and so he was able to de-brief and congratulate everyone. Well done, guys!

A final thanks to Mr Jake (‘The Assessor') Kempton and to Mr Bill Heron. We had a great expedition.

Gillian Heyes

D of E Co-ordinator

Postscript

Eldmire, we are looking forward to your presentations on Monday. Make sure you have your films and photos ready!

Upper School Outing

A reminder that next Wednesday (8^th July) the whole of Upper School will be heading for the beaches of Cayton Bay and Scarborough for the annual Upper School Outing. Packed lunches will be provided but pupils are reminded to bring some pocket money for extra drinks and snacks, souvenirs and amusements. We recommend pupils wear comfortable mufti and bring suitable beachwear - if this amazing weather continues, then swimming cozzies, towels and sun-cream will be an absolute must!

PSHE and Citizenship Programme

Mme Hunzinger is currently adding to the database of external speakers for the Upper School PSHE & Citizenship Programme. She would love to hear from any parent/friend of Cundall who could offer half an hour or so of their time to talk to the pupils about any aspect of Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship learning. Perhaps you could give an insight into a particular profession or career path, or our judicial system, the Commonwealth, government or some aspect of economic well-being.  Perhaps you could offer a visit to a particular place of work. If you can support our PSHE programme, or simply want to offer some suggestions, please do let Mme Hunzinger or Mrs Hall know.

Tuesday is Language Day!

Next Tuesday morning, the whole of Main School will be immersed in foreign languages as they take part in our annual Language Day. This year, Eldmire are making a guest appearance in the form of a production - in French - of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! Your assistance, in the form of any help requested with putting together a costume for your child, will help ensure this is both a lingual and visual delight!

With thanks for your co-operation

Mme Hunzinger