6J residential Day 1

We are having a very good residential so far.

We drove through rain but it held off as we climbed up to Coldstone Cut outside Pateley Bridge. We looked down into the quarry and reminded ourselves about the formation of the limestone 300 million years ago.

We arrived at How Stean Gorge shortly after noon. We met the other class and had lunch. We then moved into our dormitories.

Group 2 went caving for their first activity. Everyone did the first three caves and four children – Frederike, Ralph, Henry and Hasnain – did the final challenge crawling-cave at the end. They were possibly the loudest group Mr Harris had ever caved with. Can anyone guess who was Rick-Rolling all the time singing ‘Never Gonna Give You Up?’

Aaryana said: “It was great fun today. I was scared that it would be too tight in the caves but, in the end, I realised there was nothing to be worried about.”

Ayla: “Even though I was scared to go into the first cave because it seemed really tight, I was surprised to find that they weren’t as small as I had thought. There were spiders – which I am not keen on – but my friends helped me to get through to the end of the caves.”

Mrs du Preez’s group did the abseil and gorge scramble. Everybody worked together as a team and with some excellent cheerleading led by Annie, we all made it down the abseil. Then we made our way upstream, climbing waterfalls and slipping and sliding over the rocks. Naayle threw himself into all of the activities and deserves a shoutout for his bravery.

Annie said: “I was really scared to do the abseil because it was so high up but once I got to the bottom and we started to go through the gorge, I had the best time of my life. I would definitely say that this was the most fun part of my Farfield journey so far.”

Sofia: “I really enjoyed gorge scrambling as there lots of deep pools that we could jump and swim in. It was nerve-wracking at times but, in the end, I had lots of great memories that I can cherish forever.”

Riya: “I have a crippling fear of heights but I still did the abseil. When I completed it, I found out that it was exciting and so fun!”

Abigail: “I deeply enjoyed going down and being in the water – probably my favourite part of Year 6. As I went down into the gorge, I realised my hands had gone grey from the rope. Overall, it was great fun and something I will always remember.”

Naayle: “At first, when I attempted to go down I was too nervous so I went to the back of the line and had a relax. After that, I tried again and I managed to do it. I lowered myself down. I feel proud and determined.”

Phoebe: “I don’t like bridges. Today, I abseiled off one.”

Miss Jones’ group did the via ferrata course. This entails traversing the gorge with a harness and carabinas along a steel cable. The children were absolutely fabulous and all children completed the course. Safety first was our motto and all children were exceptionally sensible and really looked out for each other. They encouraged, praised and cheered each other every step of the way. Every single child deserves a shout out! Well done everyone!

Ethan says: “I really enjoyed the via ferrata. My favourite part was when we went across the gorge on a beam. I am proud of myself and looking forward to tomorrow’s activities.”

Avni said: “At first, I was really nervous but as you do it, you get used to it and it seems to get easier. I had so much fun.”

George: “I really enjoyed the challenge of the via ferrata rock climbing. I liked it because there were a variety of techniques to make it across the sides of the gorge.”

Max: “So far on the residential, I have done the via ferrata. I really enjoyed leaning back, allowing the ropes to keep me up. I also enjoyed beating everyone to the end. I am happy that the instructor said I was really good at this.”

This evening the class went on a walk up to Middleham, with wonderful views of Nidderdale.

Isobel said: “I really enjoyed the walk as half way through we walked at the back with Miss Jones and we were all laughing and Miss Jones even let us call her ‘Jonesy’.”