BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

An early start to Monday morning could only mean one thing for our Year 5 pupils: it was finally time to begin their much-anticipated adventure to the Dorset coast for their residential. The coaches were abuzz with excitement as pupils eagerly discussed what was in store for them over the next five days. A final goodbye wave to parents meant the 4 hour journey to Dorset had begun.

After a long coach journey, the Year 5s arrived at their site. Bathed in beautiful sunlight, the excitement only grew when Mr Hulbert announced the groups, tents, and activities to the eager pupils. There was a warm welcome from all of the Cumulus staff, who discussed the routines of the camp before getting stuck in with some games and activities such as the Cumulus Olympics!

A group of girls pose for the camera in the sun on their first day of the Year 5 residential.
Two boys play jenga on the first day of the Year 5 residential.

Day 2 started much earlier than anticipated for the Year 5 staff members (at around 4:30 am to be precise!) as the morning sunlight and excitement creeped into the tents. A day full of high-rise escapades included scaling poles as tall as the Viney building, stacking (and then jumping off!) tall crate towers, and a variety of low rope activities where the children had to work as a team to scale across crocodile-infested waters; minus the actual crocodiles of course!

To complete the day, our pupils also took part in a game of tag archery where teachers ran in terror as Year 5 fired at will, axe throwing, and Olympic rifle shooting.

A group of Year 5 boys pose for the camera before their high ropes activity.
The Year 5s pose ready for their game of tag archery as part of their Year 5 residential
A group of Year 5 pupils fire air rifles during their residential.

Day 3 started with a bleak forecast – rain and thunder were on their way. This, however, didn’t dampen spirits. The Year 5s threw themselves (in some cases quite literally!) into stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Due to the weather conditions worsening in the afternoon, some beach activities had to be moved inside but the addition of s’mores and hot chocolate certainly helped the mood.

Thankfully, the weather improved in the evening and, as the sun set on camp, the pupils ventured into the forest for a round of hide and seek based games.

A group of Year 5s pose as sharks after their beach safety workshop.
A young girl sits and smiles at the camera whilst paddleboarding on the Year 5 residential.
5VF stand with their oars ready for some kayaking fun.

As the sun rose on day 4, the Year 5 pupils swept through breakfast in eagerness for the activities they were most looking forward to: a trip to the water park and taking part in a mud run. The journey to the park consisted of pupils choosing which of the Year 5 teachers would be the first to push into the lake, the general consensus landing on Mr Hulbert being their first victim. As they arrived, the pupils were aghast by the scale of the water park filled with inflatable slides, bridges, climbing frames and two massive air cushions! The mud run saw pupils heading back to camp coated in mud; the showers have never been more popular! 

The Cumulus staff gathered together to make the Year 5s’ final night as fantastic as possible by throwing them a disco! Rick Astley, Backstreet Boys, and Taylor Swift (to name a few) were belted out throughout the camp.

A girl is thrown into the lake during the water park section of the residential.
A Year 5 boy wades through mud as part of the Year 5 residential.

After their whirlwind of a week, the Year 5s boarded the coaches home and took the opportunity to catch a few winks before arriving back at School and being greeted by many excited parents. 

Mr Hulbert and the Year 5 team have been incredibly impressed with the Year 5s during their residential week. Many stepped outside of their comfort zone, showed perseverance and gained new life skills through the activities of the week. Our pupils have created life-long memories and were a true credit to not only the School, but to themselves.

A truly fantastic week made possible by the fantastic staff at Cumulus Outdoors; thank you all. We would like to thank Mrs Buncher, Miss Fiellateau, Mrs Warmbury, Mr Brown, Mr Nicklin, Mrs Pankhania, Mrs Price, Miss Stanley, Mrs Walker, Miss Wilkinson and Mr Wood for supporting the residential and being open to getting stuck in. We would like to say a massive thank you to Mr Hulbert for organising a phenomenal trip and providing the opportunity for the Year 5s to have as much fun as possible.