News

Going Ape!

9th July 2010


In appreciation of all their hard work throughout the year, eight of the Year 11 prefects were given the opportunity to visit the 'Go Ape!' woodland adventure at Haldon Forest, Exeter with their form tutors, Mrs Shillito, Mr Newbery and Mr Warr.

Perfect Prefects! (Left to right) Felicity Squires, Thomas Sankey, Abigail Squires, Edward Williamson, Rory Mangles, Adam Coppard, Emma Whitfield, and Abigail Chesterman.


The extreme adrenaline challenge which included the Tarzan drop and 230m zip wire provided fun and entertainment for both pupils and tutors alike. 

Three brave staff accompanied the prefects, only for Mrs Shillito, after seeing the height of the Tarzan drop decided that a coffee was a better option, and entered the Visitor Centre co-ordinates into her hand held GPS system.  She wasn't seen again for the duration of the day!  Meanwhile Mr "I'm a lifeguard" Newbery was in deep water as his confidence sank at the last moment and had to be pushed off the platform by Adam Coppard.  But the bravest of our staff team, Mr Warr "I hold an equity card" reverted to his former stature of drama queen by performing a double backward somersault with no hands.   With his hair slightly ruffled, and blood having drained from his face, was heard to say, "piece of cake"!

Each individual came away having felt they achieved something from the event; the crossings were often difficult and appeared precarious and somewhat dangerous, but with excellent instructions beforehand, the pupils rose to the occasion and conquered both their worst fears and the most difficult challenges Go Ape! had to offer.  All in all, a well deserved and great day out for the pupils and tutors. Much to everyone's relief all returned back to school safely.