On Monday 24th April, pupils from Stephenson Way School started the new term off in style with a fun-filled trip to an outdoor activity centre for three days.

After waving goodbye to their parents, 27 pupils from year four and five set off for ‘Dukeshouse Wood’ on the outskirts of Hexham. As one of top outdoor activity centres in the region, pupils were offered the opportunity to develop a range of physical and personal skills through engaging and challenging adventures.

On arrival, the children were greeted by centre staff and shown their accommodation so that they could unpack. After grabbing a bite to eat, pupils from Stephenson Way were joined by children from schools across the ‘Tudhoe Learning Trust’.

Over the next three days, the pupils participated in a range of thrilling adventures that many of them had never experienced before and will never forget. Some of the activities on offer included: abseiling, laser tag, rock climbing, zip wire, den building, orienteering, 3G swing, leap of faith, survival skills and archery. As well as a full daytime schedule, the children had an evening of singing songs around the campfire while drinking hot chocolate. On the second night, the children donned their best clothes and had a disco with their new friends.

Exhausted but happy, children and staff returned to school on Wednesday afternoon. They were all excited to share their adventures with the teachers, pupils and parents. One of the children commented, “It was fantastic, I made loads of new friends and I did the zip wire. The instructor said I was really brave.” Another year four child said, “My favourite bit was the leap of faith. I was really scared but I managed to do it. I’m really proud of myself.”

All staff, who accompanied the children, were really proud of how the pupils conducted themselves throughout the trip and plans are already being made for next year’s visit.