Year 11 pupils enjoyed their final residential trip of the year with a three-day, two-night stay at Deer’s Leap Retreat in Devon. Deer’s Leap Retreat is a peaceful and scenic location surrounded by fields, horses, cows, stables and even a few friendly dogs and chickens wandering around.
The five-hour journey to Devon went smoothly and pupils settled in quickly. On the first evening, everyone gathered around the table for dinner, enjoying the chance to relax together in the house and take in the countryside.
Day 2 was the big adventure. Pupils headed to the beach for a surfing lesson, something completely new for most of them. Despite being beginners, many pupils managed to stand up on their boards and ride the waves; the excitement on their faces said it all. After surfing, everyone headed to a restaurant for food before returning to the house to watch movies and spend time together.
On the final morning, pupils started the day with a Mario Kart tournament in the living room, followed by a hike through the Devon countryside. The last activity was a session of shotgun shooting, where pupils showed brilliant focus and listened carefully to instructions before taking their turn.
Throughout the trip, pupils spoke about how much they enjoyed the freedom, the fresh air and the chance to try things they had never done before. They made great memories, supported each other and made the most of being away together for the last time before moving on from Year 11.
One pupil summed up the whole experience perfectly:
“It felt like a break from everything. I tried new things, had fun with my friends and it’s a trip I’ll never forget.”