On a warm sunny day 46 year 9 pupils made their way to Pencelli, excited about the week ahead. On arrival the usual chaos of finding rooms, carrying luggage and making beds ensued! Yes you make your own beds at Pencelli!!!!!

The first evening was spent out walking and trying to fit more than 12 people into a hollow tree, it can be done, even if various limbs stick out the side! Then it was bed, for what was a pretty sleepless night for most! Excitement took hold, the experience of sharing a room with 7 others was just too much!

Bleary eyed next morning after 5am showers the group were ready for their day ahead. Kyle ‘meat-head’ Moulton collected his canoe kit from the store, and had the joys of trying to fit the safety helmet over his hair, he did manage it very well and looked the part! So it was either climbing, caving, walking or canoeing for all, and Mr King had the joys of caving which he will gladly admit he found somewhat of a challenge! Notable performances of the day included the rock monkeys Tom Rendell and Jordan Grant who made short work of the climbing.

That evening not a peep was heard as all were absolutely exhausted, and made their way happily to bed after a hearty meal courtesy of Pencelli staff.

Each day pupils did a round robin of tasks, Mr Lawson and his group ‘Team Un-extreme’ all worked well together to encourage each other to succeed and overcome fears. They excelled in the gorge walk which involved some pupils being blindfolded and then guided by others along a rocky river bed. Some spend most of the time on the bed of the river getting soaked like Amber Penfold who was dragged by her team-mates along the gorge, afterwards she had twigs sticking out from her hair (and a huge smile!) and she wanted to go back in!

The Blue Team went out for their day in the cave on Tuesday, and after looking at the resurgent stream some were a little nervous. Once inside the dark cave they had a great time, Ryan Gardo even found time for a shower! He had a refreshing drink from the cave shower until Andy the guide advised it was not the best idea! All pupils were then posted either first or second class, before going down the washing machine which was brilliant! After a fantastic day caving, all headed back to the minibus with wellies full of water but feeling a real sense of achievement!

Each day saw pupils reaching their full potential and overcoming their fears, all excelled themselves, worked as a team and looked after each other. Some boys even had time for not only this but to parade as Miss Worlds of the future, although Adam, I have to say Jade did Dean’s make-up better than yours! Robert White joined us later on in the week, and thoroughly enjoyed the gorge walking on the last day.

As the week drew to a close, on the last night most people were sad to be leaving, and absolutely tired out. All were tucked up in bed asleep until the fire alarm sounded! Everyone quickly sprung out of bed and went to the meeting point to find out that Naill the centre assistant had burnt his waffles!! There were several people citing revenge the next morning! I must end with a list of thanks, to Miss Miller (the caving queen!), Mr King (the caving wuss!), Mr Lawson (a great all rounder) and Mrs Handley (who took part in all activities despite re-fracturing her rib when climbing!). Also to the beat-box king Seb Patrick for his wheelz on da’ bus rendition: Helen and group for their singing on the bus; to Jordan and Adam for being Miss Millers bodyguards; and to all others for making this the most enjoyable of trips. So year 8 take note, Pencelli will run next year, if you want to have an awesome experience sign up next term!!!

Mrs A Hassell
Year 9 Year Leader