PGL Windmill Hill Year 6 Day 1

The day started with 89 excited children lining up at the front gate, waiting excitedly for the beginning of their year 6 PGL experience.  Children were organised into their activity group for the weekend, with a real focus on mixing classes and making new friends; all good practice ahead of starting secondary  school in September.

We set off to a great ovation from parents (thank you all!), and there was lots of singing on coach 2 - a beautiful rendition of the Wentworth classic “I like the flowers”. The staff on coach 1 reported a much more “chilled” atmosphere, aside from Mrs Potts excitement at spotting the wildlife on the A21. Devansh challenged everyone on the coach to beat his high score on the dinosaur game - Mr Ketley insists he got the highest!

Upon arrival we were met by our group leaders, and lugged suitcases around to our new accommodation for the weekend - a significant achievement given the size of some of the bags. We were particularly amazed at Alfie’s ability to fit both Twister AND Guess Who in.

We had a quick site tour and went to lunch, where children enjoyed their packed lunch amongst their new surroundings.  This was followed by our first activities, each group taking on something new.  Ginny amazed us at the speed she made it up the telegraph pole in All Aboard, but she was unable to defeat Ruby who had also made it to the top.  We were so proud of Umar for having a go at rock climbing, and equally impressed with his group for encouraging him along the way. Ilesh, who was also apprehensive before climbing, went from not wanting to putting a harness on to making it half way up the tower.

Overall, Mr Ketley was thoroughly impressed that every single person in his group had a go at climbing the telegraph pole and Mrs Davies was so proud of how her group has communicated with each other and supported each other to succeed.  Sahib thoroughly enjoyed archery, and was the first in his group to hit a gold! 

After our activities , we headed to our evening meal and children were thoroughly impressed by the food - particularly the salad bar and drinks fountain! 

Then… the moment came. The rooms. Children were delighted to be able to get into their cabins and unpack; some into cupboards, some directly onto the floor. After enjoying some down time, we headed to our evening activity of “Balloon Splash” where children had to work in teams to earn coins and make a protective container for their water balloon.  Arabella was a great leader in this event whilst also getting everyone involved. Blake had some great ideas and was influential in his group.

We headed back to the cabins for showers, teeth brushing and pyjamas - everyone in bed by 10… and at the time of writing mostly asleep!