The children arrived early on Tuesday morning, kitted out with their wet weather gear and with bulging suitcases full of warm clothing. Parents waved them goodbye after a brief delay due to a last minute change of coach and the adventure began.

Bags were dropped off at Losehill Hall - our base of operations for our visit - and the coach made its way to our first destination - Treak Cliff Cavern. 

The children were taken on a tour of the Cavern where they listened intently and showed wonderful manners as they learned all about calcite and fluoride mixing together to form the unique Blue John stone which can only be found in Castleton.

Lunch was enjoyed before a walk into Castleton. The heavens opened so the teachers decided a quick pit stop at the church in Castleton was in order and the children were again extremely well behaved as they took in their surroundings. 

A brief tour of Castleton in slightly drier weather followed with the children learning some of the similarities and differences between Castleton and Rawmarsh before walking back to Losehill Hall.

The exciting news of who was sharing a room came next followed by our first tremendous feast. Following our evening meal, the children kitted up and were treated to a walk in the dark where they explored their senses before hot footing it back to Losehill Hall in another downpour in time to dry off, get changed and relax prior to bedtime.

 

The following morning saw a delicious spread put out for the children including pastries, home made yogurt + compote, cereals, toast, fruit and a cooked breakfast. Once the food was happily devoured, the children got all their wet weather kit as they set off on their adventure up Mam Tor. 

The weather at the start of the walk was challenging to say the least. Sideways rain and roads which resembled streams meant the children (and teachers) were glad of their waterproof clothing and suitable boots. Not to be deterred, the children, led by Mr Hayes kept putting one foot in front of the other and just under an hour and a half later, the whole group were standing at the Trig Point. To say the teachers were proud of the children is a massive understatement. Every single one of them made it in what were very challenging conditions - they did themselves, the school and their parents proud. Following a careful decline, the children made their way back to Losehill Hall to freshen up and begin their afternoon activities.

The children took part in a range of physical games including human rock, paper, scissors, a very active version of noughts and crosses and then a quiz which included general knowledge, music, Disney and a guess the teacher round (where the children found out a variety of interesting facts about the adults accompanying them on the trip - ask them which one has a metal ankle; who used to own a restaurant; who used to ride round the garden on their dog; who lived in Norway and who has met Gareth Southgate).

A more chilled evening was enjoyed by everyone and following the exertions of the day, the children were more than ready for their beds!

 

The following morning saw another amazing breakfast enjoyed before the children took part in some learning on the grounds of Losehill Hall including building their own dens and archery. Following a quick lunch and toilet stop, the children then boarded the coach and the excitement levels built again as they got ready to see the parents they had missed during their trip away.

 

As I have written this blog, I haven't been able to stop smiling with proud memories of children showing an ever growing maturity, helping each other through the various challenges they faced and the smiles that accompanied us everywhere we went. The children were a credit to Rosehill, with everyone who met them commenting on their amazing manners and friendliness. The teachers came back into school the following morning and were still talking about how much they had enjoyed the visit. Well done Y4 - you were amazing. The good news is that there will be more opportunities for the children to go on residential visits during their time at Rosehill!