Year 8 Big Weekend

Once again, we have had a very busy weekend here at Elstree. After a full programme of matches against Farleigh, the Year 8’s were excited to start their Big Weekend.

Social with Downe House

The weekend started by being treated to the most wonderful ‘Social’ with Downe House on a glorious summer’s evening.  

The term socialising means “participate in social activities; mix socially with others”. From experience, the set up and activities on offer can often dictate whether the second part of the definition occurs at this important adolescent age of 12 or 13. Downe House laid on bungee trampolining and crazy golf along with a take away van for various chippy delights! Well, with the social activities spot on, the weather glorious, the pupils started to engage in their packs of friendships with some “social mixing”. It was lovely to see our pupils lying on outdoor pillows chatting away in the evening sunlight under the various gazebos kindly laid out by the Downe House team.  Laughter could be heard across the whole area.  

Of course there were those boys who went head strong into swigging down their can of 7UP and sauntering over to the girls. Importantly, there was space for those less forthright to naturally bump into the girls whilst queuing for the trampoline or trying to pot a ball around the crazy golf course.

As we walked back to the coach as it was getting dark it was great to hear the group full of stories of the night.  One or two of the more shy characters excitedly relayed their stories, whilst others triumphantly discussed the cod goujons from the food van together with a lot of laughter from the rest of the group.  Everyone returned in high spirits.

This event reminded us that pupils are very similar to us as adults. When we have to attend an event it is the new surroundings as much as the socialising that can be daunting. Therefore, these events are critical to us living up to our name as a ‘Preparatory School’ where we prepare our pupils for future life.

Thank you to all the staff from both schools who helped make the evening such a success.

Laser Tag

After breakfast the Year 8s together with the full boarders, headed up to Park for some laser tag, which was terrific fun as always.  Park offers some excellent hiding spots behind trees and under the shelters.  Some of the more adventurous Laser Taggers climbed up the trees to gain a better view of their opponents. 

What did the Year 8s think?

It was the best social we’ve had! (William U)

The trampolining was great fun, I managed to do lots of back flips. (Kitt D)

The laser tag was really fun especially trying to work out where to hide so that the other team wouldn’t find you. (Kit H)