Salisbury Cathedral School News
26/09/2011
Year 7 Go Camping
Year 7 pupils began the year with what is now the customary and much anticipated camping trip to Bradle Farm, near Kimmeridge in Dorset. This year the weather forecast was far from promising, but it didn’t deter us. Camp was quickly set up, with pupils adeptly pitching their own tents before enjoying a well earned barbecue. Having to cross into the neighbouring field to collect water from a solitary tap and washing up in cold water was challenging for some, but they soon became accustomed to the routine. Many pupils revealed hitherto unseen skill in the field kitchen and eggy bread and bacon for breakfast proved to be a firm favourite.
Geography and Science fieldwork over the course of the next few days involved a town survey in Swanage, an environmental survey and line transect work in the sand dunes at Studland Bay and a study of rock formation along the Jurassic coast at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. None of us will forget the ever worsening weather at Durdle Door, where high winds and ferocious waves rendered us all incapable of talking or standing upright. This was a highlight for many. The third day saw the weather go from bad to worse. Our beloved field kitchen tent was blown unceremoniously into the next field and a number of sleeping tents were destroyed beyond recognition. Drastic action was required if we were not to return to school before the scheduled time. Help was at hand in the form of kind villagers who arranged for us to decamp to the local village hall for the night. Flushing loos and running hot water? Luxury! We all bedded down and slept well. In the morning, seated happily at trestle tables, we enjoyed a civilised breakfast of bacon and egg, toast and marmalade and cups of tea.
A wonderful experience for all; many valuable lessons learnt, not the least of which was working as a team in challenging circumstances. The accompanying teachers, Mr Stewart, Mr Hodson, Mrs Gray and Mrs Greenfield were duly impressed with pupils’ fortitude, unfailing sense of humour and excellent standards of behaviour throughout.
