Day one began with some impressive Robin Hood impressions on the archery range — with a special mention to Ms Miller, whose bullseye set the bar for the rest of the group. Students then got hands-on with fire-starting (safely, we promise!), created stunning nature mandalas, and worked together as a team to build a log den worthy of a St Marylebone Bridge School teacher.

The weather had other ideas — rolling grey clouds, thunder, and dramatic sunny spells — but our students took it all in their stride, showing exactly the kind of kindness, resilience, and bravery that makes us so proud of them. They communicated with all staff positively and politely throughout, and were absolute stars from start to finish.

Day two began with a cooked breakfast and sleepy giggles before students launched themselves — quite literally — into the day's challenges. Some of our braver souls took on a jet-ski-powered inflatable sofa ride around the lake. As one student put it:

"Sofa and water? They don't go together!" — Ismaeel

Rifle shooting revealed some unexpectedly impressive aim, and the climbing wall pushed students to new heights — some surprising even themselves. The team challenge was a particular highlight for staff, who watched students communicate beautifully and lean on one another (literally!) to complete the task.

The trip rounded off with a fajita dinner, a sunset walk, and songs around the campfire.

Throughout it all, students were wonderful — independent, kind, hard-working, and thoughtful. Two quotes from the trip sum it up perfectly:

"Even if you fall, right? You get up again, even if you fall again, you get up again. No worries, you will still succeed in life." — Abigail

"Task failed… successfully!" — Emi

You should all be incredibly proud.