GLARA MARA – NOVEMBER 2009

Once again the Lower Sixth packed their bags and set off for a 3 day visit to the Glara Mara Centre in the Borrowdale Valley, deep in the heart of the Lake District. Students enjoyed a range of activities and they learnt a lot about their own capabilities, as well those of their peers. Tree climbing, a blindfolded walk, in addition to a range of other team games and problem solving activities formed the basis of the activities on the first afternoon. The instructors ensured that all of the students pushed themselves to the limit and considered their own leadership abilities as well as their effectiveness when working in group situations.  A hearty tea was followed by a 2 hour classroom session on Creativity, Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles, where the students were able to explore their own preferred styles and were able to learn more about intelligences that they didn’t even know they had! The students continued to learn a great deal about each other as they managed to make the ‘Chair Game’ last well over an hour…and at this point maybe the staff learnt a little too much about some of the students.

 
The second day brought typical Lake District weather, though as a famous comedian once said “there is no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothes”.  Half the group donned waterproofs and walking boots and headed for the famous Lake District peak of ‘Castle Crag’, whilst the others prepared themselves for 2 hours of high quality climbing and abseiling in the new climbing centre just outside Keswick. The groups met at lunch time in front of the roaring log fire at the centre and then swapped activities. The instructors from the centre commented on the unfailing cheerfulness of the students (despite the weather and testing walk) and there were many notable climbs completed, with great suppleness and strength being shown by the likes of Alex Schwarz, John Williams, Pippa Greenwood and Emilia Lommano. Another fine meal was followed by an evening session that explored learning and revision techniques as well as learning more about the intricacies of the A level examination system, as well as a session that began to explain the process of selecting university courses. Before the students retired to bed, they enjoyed some games…somehow these resulted in several members of the Sixth Form drinking copious amounts of water…you are best asking them for an explanation.

A full cooked breakfast set the students up for the final day. They had an hour to complete as much of the orienteering course around the Whinlatter Forest Park as possible and the winners of the much coveted coloured pens were the all male team of George Bryant, Nicky Hughes, Khalid Al Rafai and Rob Cross. All of the groups had a good time, despite the markers remaining rather elusive to some.

 
The students proved to be excellent company for the entire time they were there and their hard work and great team spirit bodes well for the months ahead. On behalf of Mr. Austen, Mr. Lincoln and Mrs. Russell who accompanied the trip, I would like to thank the students for the good humour and excellent attitude that they demonstrated throughout and I wish them well for the studies this year.
 
G Allmand