Friendships forged on First Year trip
First Year pupils enjoyed exploring the wonderful surroundings of Chatsworth House during their Induction trip.
The trip replaced their usual residential to Ilam Hall which could not take place this year due to government guidelines.
Two form groups a day over four consecutive days made the journey to the stately home in the Derbyshire Dales and they had a great time taking part in games and activities which helped pupils get to know each other.
With 105 acres to explore, pupils were tasked to count their steps around various parts of the grounds before taking part in team games – helping to develop their teamwork and communication skills.
After working up an appetite, pupils took a seat under a tree in front of Chatsworth House – home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire – in the sun to eat their lunch.
In the afternoon the pupils headed to Chatsworth’s farmyard. The working farmyard, which has been welcoming visitors since 1973, saw the girls and boys get up close to animals such as ponies, pigs, chickens and lambs and it was the baby goats that were a particular highlight for a lot of the pupils.
The First Years ended their trip by spending time in the woodland playground. The pupils swung, climbed and splashed around as they took turns on the trampoline and slides and in the rope park and sand pits.
Samuel Burden enjoyed the trip. He said: “It was fun walking with our friends all over the grounds,” whilst Harry Clutterbuck added: “I enjoyed having responsibility and being able to explore.”
William Dyson was impressed with the farmyard. He said: “The animals at the farm were very cool,” and Orlagh Bentley exclaimed: “The ice-cream in the farm shop was delicious!”
