Many previous students of Ipswich School have said that the week in Devon at the end of Year 12 contributed to some of their best school memories. Having now been on the trip, the current Year 12s can strongly agree with this statement.
Upon arrival in Devon we were thrown straight into the action with an hour at a soft play venue which resulted in many scrapes, burns and bumps as well as a few vigorous games of ‘hide and seek it’. Other activities during the week included high ropes and climbing, which ended in competitive races to see who could reach the top in the least amount of handholds, School House being victorious with significant encouragement from Miss Cooley.
Wipeout was a fan favourite with some hilarious flops on the balls and the very low success rate in making it to the second ball. Kayaking and paddle boarding was absolute mayhem with around 40 boats and boards in what can only be described as a pond. Many of the participants switched boats upwards of 10 times due to being capsized by friends. All of these water sports required wetsuits and helmets which gave way to some very interesting tan lines, with sun cream appearing to be ineffective against the Devon sun. However, a day this precaution was not necessary was Thursday. The wetsuits worn for surfing and coasteering were sadly not enough to insulate against the harsh rainy weather.
All activities were excellent because they allowed prime opportunities to laugh with your friends, but surfing in particular. In this case it was due to people either not getting on the board properly when the perfect wave arrived, or when they tried to “pop up” and fell face first into the sea – both of these things were done on many occasions by all. That evening after washing half the beach off us in the 12 showers provided for 150 people, came the most anticipated event of the week, the house performances. Many of these included some dancing (although for some you really wish they didn’t) as well as singing. The winners, though, displayed a humorous skit of The Edge lessons we all had experienced over the week. School House amused us with their hilarious and accurate skits, with an alarmingly similar interpretation of Mr Cliff and his aversion to pot noodles.
So the question is, was this week worth the 10 hour coach journey when you forgot your headphones? Our verdict would be absolutely, in the atmosphere that was created in our own little bubble in Bideford, Devon.
Abby C, Year 12
Ipswich School General
New Director of Marketing appointed
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Blake as our new Director of Marketing. Simon joins us from King’s Ely, where he led