During the last week of term, Years 9, 10 and 12 took part in a range of fun activities. From smoothie making to sailing as well as university-related activities for the Sixth Formers, each day had a dedicated theme or activity for them to really get involved in.
The Year 9 week was led by Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Steve Macpherson. Activities included a day walk from Marlow to Shiplake, sailing and canoeing, mountain biking and roller skiing.
The Year 10 week included a smoothie making day, where the boys had to develop their own smoothies as well as a marketing campaign to show off their creations and, and a day with the One Day Film School, where they were taught the essentials of filmmaking and had to produce their own short films.
Mr Keith Settle, Head of Co-curricular, said: “Monday was spent with the Business Department, on what has now become a regular feature of the Year 10 Activity Week, 'Smoothie Day'.
"Coordinated by Mr Olhausen, the boys produced their own smoothies whilst creating a marketing campaign and a business plan for their product. The smoothies were then tested on a wider audience in the afternoon and put to the vote. The boys gained valuable insight into bringing a product to the market, whilst also having great fun blending all sorts of fantastic ingredients.
“On Tuesday, Year 10 then turned their hands to filmmaking. The boys were given instruction in direction, screenplay, editing and acting. The end results were phenomenal and our own Shiplake Oscars were then held in the afternoon to celebrate the amazing results that the boys had produced.”
The Year 12 week was led by Head of Careers, Mrs Louise Rapple Moore. The beginning of the week was focused on helping the pupils with future endeavours. There was a workshop on personal statements, a CV workshop as well as university visits. Afternoon sessions included a walk from Pangbourne to College and a team building session run by the Army. On the Wednesday Year 12 were treated to a day at Thorpe Park.
Mrs Rapple Moore said: “Our Year 12 Activity Week this year replaced the three days that our Year 12s would usually spend on work experience. The emphasis was on both their futures and on spending time together as a year group, in an effort to replace some of the social times pupils have lost over the past year.
"The three days included career-related sessions on CVs and personal statements alongside visits to Reading and Royal Holloway Universities and a very popular team-building session with the Army.
"For social time and a bit of fun towards the end of the school year there was a 12-mile walk along the Thames and a day at Thorpe Park. Feedback from parents, pupils and teachers was extremely positive about all aspects of the programme and it was a great way to finish off an unusual year."
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Having a Ball!")
