Isle of Wight - Day 5

So here it is. Our final blog (ahhhhh!) You would think with a ferry home at 12pm we wouldn't have much to write about. But with ice skating on the agenda how could this be! The rink was fantastic and the highlight for many of the children. Ned and Billy fought to the bitter end in terms of who fell over the most! With a triumphant Billy eventually taking the title with a total of 48 times! In fairness all boys, despite many scrapes and falls persevered and had an absolute ball. Meanwhile the girls were flying with many of the children showing a real flair for ice skating! Some more surprising than others perhaps (apparently Caris' Mum used to e an ice skater!) In fact children had such a good time they were keen to go again. We suggested they asked their parents and carers (you're welcome!) After another smooth and sunny ferry ride we are now back on the mainland. We're only a little way from home now. We look forward to seeing you all shortly!

Isle of Wight -Day 4

The hours have passed like a whirl wind and here we are on our final night at the Corner House Hotel. Today was brilliant and as teachers we can officially announce 'MISSION ACCOMPLISHED' with all children fast asleep by 9:15pm!

The day started with our penultimate breakfast (with clean children) before we headed off to visit Model Village. The children enjoyed looking at the detail of each building and person. The football match and chine scene were particular popular. After yet another gift shop experience we headed off to 'Owl & Monkey Haven'. As we departed we realised we had some time to spare so Dave, our wonderful, fabulous, amazing (occasionally horn-beeping) driver took us to an adventure playground. Here, children were able to swing, jump, spin and run to their hearts content! Turns out that was only three or four minutes as slowly, child after child resorted to basking in the sunshine!

Back en route and finally we arrived at the haven. A spot of lunch and we were ready to explore all varieties of monkeys (and owls). Fortunately, we were not forced to do this alone. A wonderfully informed guide named Harvey (or Marvin as Mrs Pape introduced him) was on hand to share funny tales and anecdotes regarding each monkey (and owl).



After we were led in to the education room, it was wonderful to see the children enjoying a worksheet! Although some clearly had forgotten how to hold a pencil! We were told Harvey (a.k.a Marvin) would be back with a surprise, leaving us in the capable hands of Miranda. On Harvey's (a.k.a Marvin's) return children were thrilled to meet a Ketch, a European Eagle Owl. All children were able  to stroke the owl, as Mr Ball asked each child how the owl felt. Each child could confidently declare that the owl was most certainly...'soft'. Inspired words you might say!

It is important to make clear how enjoyable this part of our trip had been. The stories, primates (and owls)  combined to provide children with an unforgettable experience. So much so that we are delighted to announce that as a class we are now the adopted parents of a young Rhesus Macaque called Minka.

After an action-packed day a far quieter coach ride led us back to the hotel! Children had an hour and a half to relax, play games, read and begin to pack up some of their clothes. After our final dinner it was time to get ready for the disco. Make-up applied, hair tussled and dresses on. The boys were ready! (No! We are not joking!) 7:30 soon approached and children were dancing, singing and waving their hands like the lunatics they most definitely are! By 9 o'clock, we were all truly exhausted and ready for bed.

That brings us up to now. Just Mr Ball and Mrs Pape remain. This week has been so hectic we hardly feel like we've had any time to reflect on what a wonderful experience the trip has been for all. It's fantastic to see the close relationships that have been built.

Tomorrow is our final day and in some ways it will be sad to leave (Note: SOME ways!) If possible we will be blogging tomorrow but at a far earlier time. Thank you for all the comments from the past few days, we have ALL enjoyed them, with the exception of any sly Everton digs! 

 

Isle of Wight - Day 3

The end of the third day and we're over half way through our Isle of Wight adventure! The day was another busy one so it was important that breakfast was equally as scrummy as before. First stop was 'Amazon World', a zoo full of tropical animals. We were greeted by a lovely bird. The bird led us through the first few metres of the animal park with only the odd peck of Mrs Pape, Billy and Mia occuring. We were amazed as we met the (Usain Bolt-like) tortoises and tried chatting to some macaws. Other animals we saw included tarantulas (excluding Caris!), turtles, caiman, flamengos, meerkats and many more!

We also enjoyed an in-depth penguin chat where we learnt alot about penguins and their diets, habitats and appearance. Pele was a particular favourite, a bit of a loner with a bad temper apparently. Another highlight was the lemur walkthrough where all children were brave enough to enter an open enclosure with lemurs.

But all of this paled into insignificance when a cheeky marmosat decided to do his business through a bridge. Unfortunately, directly underneath the bridge stood a helpless Toby. "Oh no! Mr Ball...he's just pee'd on me!" was the cry. Luckily, as the weather was hot Toby was quite happy to remove his coat and begin to put the whole ordeal behind him!

After lunch and some free time in the adventure playground we were on the coach again to visit Bembridge lifeboat house. Here, an inforamtive gentlemen shared his knowledge of the lifeboat. We learnt about the weight, costing and processes of the boat. We were amazed to find out we were standing in a building that had cost over 8 million pounds to construct!

Back at the hotel and we decided to run off some steam in the nearby park. Mr Ball and his troops were dissapointed to suffer a 12-10 defeat whislt the girls enjoyed many chats including one about Selena Gomez.

After dinner, we went bowling! We all had a fantastic time practising our skills and nurturing our bowling abilities. There were four games won by Mr Ball (top scorer - 155), Thaila, Ned and a brutally harsh Mrs Pape who snatched victory from the hands of Luke in the dying embers of the match! Technique of the night however, belonged to Rebecca for her 'I don't care what happens and where the ball goes and what pins it hits' approach.

Tonight we are watching Roo's choice of film, 'My Neighbour Totoro', looking forward to our final full day on the island.

Also, we sent our postcards this morning so hopefully they will be arriving soon!

Isle of Wight Day 2

Day 2 started bright and early - about 6:30am. Even Rebecca woke up with a smile and was ready to go for breakfast at 8am. Breakfast was delicious and set us up for a very full day.

We started with a 45min coach journey to Alum Bay. We enjoyed a karaoke moment to the Bee Gees Tragedy and the Monkees Daydream Believer. None of us will be participating in Britain's Got Talent anytime soon.

We arrived at a deserted Alum Bay to enjoy a sweet making demonstration. Most excitingly we got to enjoy the sweets we saw being made - Banana splits.

Next stop was glass blowing. We saw a glass vase being hand blown. We were interested to learn about how fibre optic cables were made from glass and used by all major internet companies.

Alum Bay provided us with our first shopping experience. There was sand, glass and sweet shops so prepare yourselves for a fantastic array of gifts on our return.

Before lunch Mrs Pape took us on an educational uphill jaunt to see the Needles. The view was spectacular, a very observant Olly was fortunately on hand to declare that "the rock was very white".

In the afternoon we visited Dino Isle where we had a very informative guide. We got to hold a

fossilized leaf print which was 360 million years old. Abbie was fascinated by the fact that we have a tail. All in all, children had the opportunity to handle and discuss over thirty different artefacts. A particular highlight was the quick change of facial expressions that occured when children were told they were actually holding fossilized excrement! 

An exploration of the museum provided children with the chance to find out more about dinosaurs. We experienced the sights and smells dinosaurs would have experienced and even had a go at digging for our own fossils.

A walk along the beach front and 'promenade' (atleast that's what Mrs Pape called it!) and we were back at the hotel. An hour of free time before another delicious dinner was just what we needed in preparation for the evening's activity.

Richard Timberwood, Timber to his friends (fortunately that was us!) came in to our den to tell us a story about pirates (cover one eye and say AAARGH), smugglers (raise one finger over pursed lips and utter SHHHH and long shore men (wave fingers in front of body before stretching arms and flexing muscles saying YEEEEAH). (The directions in brackets are just a warning incase you are asked to play a part in any repeat versions!) In all seriousness, Timber was fantastic and for over two hours he had the children singing, playing and most importantly hanging on every word of his tale.

So here we are, the children watching Beauty and the Beast (but enough about Mr Ball and Mrs Pape, NOTE: In no particular order!) Another action-packed day is over! Speak to you all tomorrow!

Thank you to all of those who have already replied to the blog, the children are loving hearing from you all. Finally, the hyperlink below will link you to the school flickr account where you can see many more of the photos from every day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shorehamvillageschool/
You will need to sign up to view the account.

Isle of Wight - Day 1

Day 1 and we're here! The children have had an action-packed first day resulting in some very sandy children! (more about that later!) After meeting our lovely driver Dave we made our way to sunny Portsmouth.

After correcting children that Spinnaker Tower was NOT a 5* hotel we left the coach and visited the aquarium. It was a brilliant outing that children loved! (get ready for a record-breaking amount of fish-based photos!) The trip included a fascinating chat from a rock pool expert where children discussed and handled crabs and starfish!

Following a simple ferry journey (where fortunately no sick bags were needed!) finally we had arrived in the Isle of Wight! Mr Ball was delighted that having no passport was not an issue although the coach driving on the same side of the road did raise an eyebrow or two!

A short 'go compare off' - with Billy a clear winner, and we had arrived at our hotel. Children all unpacked and settled in, the inclusion of TVs in the rooms was a particular highlight! (who knew we had so many 'pointless' fans!)

After a lovely first meal we explored the nearby beach where children played in the sand! Fast forward to now, 17 sandy children, enjoying Despicable Me' in 'The Den'. Tomorrow we're off to Alum Bay but for now it is time to say good night. Please do feel free to leave any messages, the children will be thrilled to read them!