The Year 6 residential takes place each year in York. The boys are split into two groups, with the first group spending Sunday to Wednesday in York before swapping with the second group who spent Wednesday to Saturday away. The trip is one of the highlights in the Year 6 calendar and a trip that seems to be always remembered by Old Boys for the variety of fun excursions that take place.
Staff at the Middleton Hotel were once again fantastic and the boys were catered for incredibly well in the newly refurbished hotel. The journey began with workshops in the DIG and the adventure through the Jorvik Centre where they get the true experience of the smells and atmosphere during the Viking period. In a long walk along the city walls the boys enjoyed breath-taking views while Mr Topham and Mr Gordon shared stories about why the walls were built and why they remain to this day.
After all the exercise and stories the boys enjoyed a tour through the history of chocolate from the original chocolate drink to the sugary treat we enjoy today. They then embarked on a new Design and Technology workshop where they were designing ‘The Next Big Thing’. The Prep Dragons took to the stage to present their very own brand of chocolate. Excitement for all involved.
The York Minster was as breath-taking as ever and the boys were in awe of its sheer size and history, as relayed to us by our guides. “Wackers” fish and chips is always a favourite with the boys and staff…Group 2 takes home the Fish and Chips trophy as they had the least amount of boys ordering chicken nuggets. Well done Group 2!
We then visited the York Museum and once again, it was a highlight for many of the boys. The Victorian Street scene had the boys dashing about trying to find the clues to the quiz. The second half of the museum takes you through the “swinging sixties” and then the darker history of York Prison. The boys were fascinated and a great morning was had by all. Our Ghost walk with Mr Ray Alexander had the boys hanging on every word once again; there is something quite special about walking the streets of York at dusk hearing his stories. Mr Gordon, Miss Mekaouar, Mr Roulston and Mr Topham regaled us with the story of Dick Turpin, he is not the hero we all think he is!
There were many comments made about the wonderful manners and behaviour of our boys, both at the hotel and the places we visited. They represented themselves and the school with great pride. Thank you to both the boys and the staff for making the trip such a success.
