Residentials go virtual

With lockdown cancelling this year's residentials, Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 all took part in virtual residentials. Years 3 and 4 on virtual PGL and Years 5 and 6 on a virtual France residential. Here's what happened:

Year 3 and 4's Virtual PGL

Lockdown wasn't going to stop Year 3 and 4 from one of the most exciting things you get to do as you reach these year groups... PGL!

Miss Amy and Miss Sophie worked hard to plan a variety of fun and exciting activities for our very own Virtual PGL. This ranged from creating our own music video to designing our own mini obstacle courses, to 'At home' room inspections and to creating their own exercise videos!

One of the most exciting parts of the few days was when we put on our best outfits ready for our own PGL disco which included games, dancing, snacks and drinks, ending in a calming bedtime story.

If you would like to see a little snippet of what we got up to, watch our video below.

Year 5 and 6's Virtual France Residential

Wow! What a wild couple of days. The disappointment of a cancelled trip long forgotten, the children jumped in whole-heartedly to all the activities planned and organised for the inaugural Virtual France Residential.

It all kicked off after online lessons on Thursday afternoon with den making. Inside or outside, it didn't matter. What was important was comfort and style! Comfort because they would be sleeping in there all night. Style because they would be sharing their creations later that evening.

It was delightful to be given a guided tour of each and every den in a live video conference 'Den Off'! Converted trampolines, camouflage coverings, tents both indoors and outdoors, cardboard boxes and blankets galore! Style and substance by everyone.

Next was the NHS hand clap and a song for our Heroes. Thank you very much! It was lovely to see all the appreciation from the WPS community for the front line and key workers.

Then came the 'Pièce de Résistance' - the Virtual Disco with DJ Dave! The children bopped, boogied and bamboozled their friends with some incredible moves on the virtual dance floor. DJ Dave banged out the tunes that had been requested, threw in a few WPS sing-alongs and played a few games. There was even time for a catwalk show of disco outfits!

The night came to an end in the most perfect way. With all the children tucked up in their dens with a hot cup of cocoa, Miss Jo read some bedtime stories, all written by the children themselves. There were some funny tales and some scary short stories and by the end some snores could be heard!

Friday began with a late lazy French breakfast after a nice long lie in. French baguettes, croissants and pan a chocolat helped the aching bodies from the night before.

For the rest of the day the children took part in French themed activities, taking photos and making videos of all their fun. There were French recipes being cooked up in the kitchen, crosswords and wordsearches being completed in the sunshine. Some children researched snails and others created make-believe market stalls. Obstacle courses were made and run and French songs were learned and sung!

All in all the most wonderful couple of days were had by all. The Virtual France Residential 2020 was no doubt the best there will ever be!