Final Day at Laches Wood

Friday and already the 5th and last day - where did the week go? Most children had to be woken up as by now everyone was in the routine of sleeping well. The knocking sounds in the night and early morning bird calls were no longer waking us up! It was proabably a combination of tiredness, all that fresh air and of course, the enjoyment of knowing that we were having fun and surviving homesickness!
We began the day by stripping the beds(Mrs Akhtar and Mrs Bell made sure everybody was on task), having breakfast and then finishing packing . Raheel was seen stamping on his case, trying to get all his things to stay in! There were odd socks, matching socks and even a pair of trainers that seemed to belong to no-one! Eventually all the cases were sorted and we did our 'duties' for the last time. The boys in charge of the hoover have been just GREAT! Our base, the laches wood classroom has sparkled and corridors very tidy. Hussnane with his asthma given the job of cleaning the staff corridor and got to see Mrs Bell's bedroom. There WAS NO SPARE BED! (She's been threatening people that if they misbehave, they'd have to sleep in the spare bed!)


Last activities were the shelter building and balance course. Mrs Annett rushed around to both groups videoing all the action! Once again everyone put in 100% effort and worked hard although Klaudia struggled to be a team player today.

After lunch it was in the classroom where Miss Brandwood announced the winner of the different events. There were some surprising results - that's what the week has all been about, finding out the different strengths people have. How lovely to see Zain and Shazad win the archery contest.


Mrs Bell picked out 4 special children - Madasser for coping with being very independent and getting to all the activities on time and in the right places, Azeema for coping with her first ever residential for a whole week (she's only been in England just over a year), Raheel who although very bright at academic things had to challenge himself (and did exceedingly well) at so many physical tasks this week and finally, Imaani who has shown a lot of common sense and been helping and supporting so many children this week.
Mrs Bell and all the staff who have supported the class this week were very proud of all the children. Each child deserves an award for different reasons this week - they will all get certificates next Friday during the special assembly. Parents are all welcome to that assembly - we hope they will come and find out what we got up to!

Have a good rest everyone, and THANK YOU for a lovely week.

Thank you to our excellent staff - some came and worked with the children on activites and some stayed to help Mrs Bell at night. Mrs Annett stayed the night on Monday, Mrs Robey stayed on Tuesday and Mrs Akhtar stayed on Thursday and Friday. Miss Akhtar drove over for 4 full days and always brought over any extras we needed. Thank you, you are all hard working stars and your help is much appreciated.

Wow another amazing day for year 6 at Laches Wood!!
Started again bright and early with another hearty breakfast - the children just love beans!!
The activities today were canoeing and climbing.
Both teams took part in all activities today, the canoeing was great, after kitting up in hard hats ans life jackets it was off to the canal we go. Each team was allocated a canoe and given team talks and instruction before boarding. Then it was sailing down the canal and each child paddling furiously to beat the other team. The children played lots of games, which involved getting dripping wet!! They loved it! A special mention to Miss Akhtar and Mrs Akhtar who loved the canoeing and didn't want it to stop! They all got out happy and hungry and ready for lunch.
The climbing walls were a great success, everyone took part even Mrs Annett who managed all 3 walls. The children attacked the walls with gusto, dressed in their safety gear - they all looked a picture. We have got some great pictures and video of all the children enjoying themselves immensely!
Mrs Fearn visited us today all the children were happy to see her and she had great fun giving them lots of encouragement to get up those (very high) walls.


Free time before tea saw the children playing football, stilts, ball games and generally runnning around. They all have lovely rosy cheeks and are well and happy.




After a lovely dinner of cheese lattice bakes it was off to play again and then to the all important tuck shop for their treats and because it was the last night, souvenirs and presents.
It doesn't get better than that!!
Hopefully an early night for everyone ready for their last fun packed day. See you tomorrow everyone!

Hello there year 6 parents
Well today brought our first lot of rain but the children put on their waterproofs and got on with enjoying themselves.
Two teams took part in the archery today which was amazing and some very high scores were reached. The other two teams took part in search and rescue and problem solving - a good time was had by all and the competition between the teams is greatAll the children are working hard on their daily diaries so you will be able to "read all about it" when they get back!
The food is great here, everyone is eating well and trying lots of new foods.
This evening the children will be running around on a photo trail before a well earned good nights sleep!!

First 2 days at Laches Wood

Hello there Year 6 parents
First of all really sorry we were unable to get on to the blog last night, sadly we were unable to log in at Laches Wood. So it had to wait until Mrs Annett arrived home.
We had a great day yesterday, everyone was very excited on the way there, all shouting at once "Are we there yet?"
All the children ran around when we arrived and really enjoyed finding their bedrooms, classroom etc. They all got into a tangle making their beds, but were ok in the end, showing off their duvet covers to each other.

A quick change, after lunch, the children were split into their teams. One group set off into the forest with Mrs bell to search and rescue in the forest, while the other team were shelter making and cooking on the open fire in a teepee! All had a whale of a time!


Last night after an orienteering exercise it was bedtime!! All were finally asleep by 11.30ish!!! PHEW - Mrs Annett and Mrs Bell could relax for a little while.


Tuesday Expedition

This morning everyone woke bright and early, (Mrs Bell and myself became hairdressers to the girls, a novel experience as we both have sons and no daughters)! After breakfast it was on the coach, to Carding Mill Valley where we performed river tasks.

All the children had loads of fun, and then walked up a mountain!! (well thats what the children said anyway). A fantastic day has been had by all and the sun kept shining. A special mention must go to Ifra, Hannah, Raheel and Anum, who never moaned once and are having a wonderful time.
More soon, all children are well and happy and very tired now after the mountain walk.

Panic before OEC!

Well, the day is nearly here! By now everyone should have their suitcases packed with all they need! Mrs Annett sent Mrs Bell a text to ask if she needs a duvet cover. We are both going to take one, even though we don't have a staff list!

Mrs Bell had to plough through her reports this weekend - at 9pm, she still has ten to check before emailing to Mrs Fearn. It has been a busy weekend. However there will be no marking or preparing to do this week, just having fun and less sleep than normal! This will be a trip like no other!

Mrs Bell decided to dress up for the occasion on the Monday. She arrived at school wearing a straw hat! Everyone laughed at her in the staffroom (they knew something she didn't, obviously).