Creating Memories in Devon

For our Year 11 pupils, the final year at NRHS is about more than preparing for exams and taking the next steps in education. It is also about celebrating how far they have come, enjoying new experiences and making lasting memories. With this in mind, pupils recently travelled to Devon for a very special residential at Deer’s Leap Retreat.

To give as many pupils as possible the opportunity to take part, two groups travelled to Devon, each enjoying three days and two nights away. Despite the five-hour journey, pupils managed the travelling really well and were excited to arrive at the beautiful retreat, which offered glamping tents, a games room and plenty of outdoor space to explore.

Both groups began their adventure with a hike through the Devon countryside. For some pupils, this was their first experience of hiking, and it certainly turned into an adventure! The walk took pupils off the usual paths, across streams and through open fields, where one group found themselves face to face with a herd of rather curious cows. The cows seemed just as surprised to see the pupils as the pupils were to see them, resulting in a very amusing standoff!

The following day brought one of the highlights of the residential: surfing! For many pupils, this was their first time on a surfboard and there was plenty of laughter as they attempted to catch their first waves. What was particularly impressive was their determination to keep trying, with several pupils eventually managing to stand up and surf consistently. It was a brilliant opportunity to build confidence, develop resilience and discover just how rewarding trying something new can be.

The evenings were just as memorable. Pupils enjoyed meals together, including a visit to a local restaurant, before returning to the retreat to relax in the jacuzzi and sauna. These quieter moments gave pupils the chance to talk about their favourite school memories, reflect on their experiences and discuss what the future might hold as they prepare to leave NRHS.

One particularly special moment came when a pupil lay back, looked up at the night sky and simply said, “I’ve never seen stars like this.” It was a lovely reminder of why experiences like this matter. The same pupil had initially been unsure about attending, explaining that he sometimes feels nervous about trying new things. Fortunately, his fear of missing out convinced him to come and by the end of the residential he was incredibly glad he had.

On the final morning, pupils experienced clay pigeon shooting, testing their concentration and accuracy while enjoying some friendly competition. It was a fantastic way to finish the trip before beginning the journey home.

For our Year 11 pupils, this residential was about much more than a few days away. It gave them the opportunity to develop independence, overcome challenges and experience activities they might never otherwise have tried. Perhaps most importantly, it allowed them to spend quality time together, creating memories with the friends and staff who have been part of their journey through New Rush Hall School.

A very special thank you goes to Heather at Deer’s Leap Retreat, who continues to make this wonderful opportunity available to our pupils. Her kindness and hospitality, including preparing a delicious breakfast each morning, helped make both residentials such a fantastic experience.

As our Year 11 pupils prepare for the next chapter of their lives, we hope they look back on their time in Devon with happy memories and a real sense of what they have achieved. Three days, two nights and countless memories to take with them into the future.