Wonderful Wednesday!

I am writing this as the children are drinking their hot chocolate and sharing the "Dorset Diamonds" that they have been awarded today. It's been another full day with all of us learning all sorts of new things. Get your children to tell you about the strange life of slipper limpets, how a smooth snake protects itself, what strange fish live in Studland Bay, what King John did to 24 French knights and how people in medieval times got rid of the bugs from their clothes!
Once again we have been really impressed with our children's behaviour and proud when members of the public have commented on their excellent manners and politeness. This afternoon on Corfe Castle station, they chatted so nicely with an elderly lady and her family,one of whom turned out to be a former Trafalgar pupil!
This evening we had our sand sculpture competition.
Once again the weather was much better than predicted, especially this afternoon.
Tomorrow we start with a visit to Swanage to see why it's sometimes called "Little London" before setting off on the great Brownsea Adventure!
After such a full day today, I wonder how easy it will be to wake them up tomorrow!

More Pictures 5W

More Pictures 5W

Tuesday Pictures 5W

Tuesday Pictures 5W

Terrific Tuesday!

Everybody had a great night's sleep last night and woke up ready for action and raring to go! Even the rain on the window as we ate our breakfasts didn't dampen our spirits and, miraculously, it then brightened up and stayed fine all day - quite different from what the forecasts were saying!
So it was with full tummies and high spirits that we set off for the long walk. We had a morning playtime on the beach, before climbing up onto the coastal path and walking up towards Ballard Down. Pausing for the polo competition (winner Oliver Keartland; runner up Ms Ghosh!) we climbed the steep hill to the crest of the ridge and the Bronze Age burial mound, where we normally stop to reflect and write poetry. Today though, a herd of cows had beaten us to it (the  mound, not the poetry writing!) so we went through the gate to sit in a circle and write.The children were fantastic, amazing passing walkers with their quiet concentration, and some inspired writing resulted. Here's an excerpt from Lewis Quintrell's poem:

The Bronze Age people gathered
Tears dripping from cheeks,
Splashing the ground like waterfalls
People's final words fading away
Into the earth's atmosphere.
Their weeping of sorrow
Soaring into the sky
Like eagles hunting for prey...

Lunch at Old Harry Rocks, followed by a walk in to Studland where we all had an ice lolly and were delighted to meet up with former Trafalgar Headteacher, Mr White, who was actually originally responsible for planning the trip! A beach scavenger hunt, a trip to the shop and a coach ride back. Fish and chips were followed by a game on the beach and bed...
The children have been great on this trip - supportive of each other, interested in what's around them, friendly and polite - a real pleasure to be away with!

Another picture

First Day Photos

Marvellous Monday

We have had a fantastic day, The sun shone all day except when we were in the Visitors Centre. Fabulous walk past the lighthouse, the Tilly Whim caves, the stone globe and over The Downs to Swanage.  We greatly enjoyed our pasta and ice cream.  We wrote our postcards and headed for the beach.  Back at the hotel we drank hot chocolate and introduced our teddies. As we write all is quiet.  Photographs to follow.