On Monday our young voices choir sang at the O2 arena with 8900 other children. After many sessions spent practicing, the children (and staff) sang and danced their hearts out. It is a fantastic event, all the children had an amazing time! 

The Canoe group made it back! The rain was pretty heavy but they did it. Some time to dry off for everyone now. After dinner we attempt the Grafham challenge, play some board games and start the long process of organising our bags. We have another activity in the morning before we leave but it's quite a busy time so I can't promise I'll update in the morning. 

The rain has arrived. There is a very wet group cycling their way around the reservoir. I've just got back in from canoes. We've got some students who managed to stay dry with climbing and archery. They're all suitably dressed though - thank you for packing all the layers and coats. Tonight is a muddy assault course while wearing a blindfold. 

The weather stayed dry for us today. It has turned rather cool so we're inside now getting clean before dinner. Tonight is a chance to explore the low ropes in the dark and then some games before bed. I expect most rooms to sleep better tonight. The activity levels have been high and there are lots of children who overcame their fear (and tears) to climb higher and higher on the rope course. Lots of nice downtime and hopefully a decent rest. 

Day two is well underway. Breakfast went well after what can accurately be described as a mixed night. Some children are well rested. Some rooms managed to pull almost an all-nighter - inevitably feeling pretty rough first thing. Much coffee has been consumed by the adults. I was on the cycle ride this morning so the majority of my images are from that. Later on I'll sit and upload some more from the other groups. I know that Mr Hastings is out on the water right now with the canoes. 

So first day's activities behind us. They've been sent off to shower/unpack/eat sweets. We offer them a hot chocolate in a bit and then it is some down time before a restful night of sleep... They've been great so far. Everyone ate well at dinner and they seem pretty happy with their groups/rooms. I don't tend to do as many updates tomorrow. We're cycling and out on the water for lots of the day. I'll make sure I post some pictures of the groups tomorrow. 

We've had our first activity! Some students have enjoyed making their own barrel buggies. Some others have been searching over the site looking for orienteering clues. Some people have already lost their shoes/lunch/coat... Dinner at 5:30 and then a campfire tonight with marshmallows. 

We have arrived safe at GWC. The rain has started but we’re happily getting into orienteering and settling in. I’ll update again later once we have completed the first activities. On the agenda is pioneering and bushcraft. 

We've been so impressed with the Advent Calendar homework this year. Every child in year 4 has produced an interesting design of their own. We look forward to Friday's sharing assembly where we can see all of them. 

It was a very successful visit to the O2 this year. The many sessions spent preparing meant our choir sang and danced their hearts out. It is a huge undertaking and we are very grateful to all the staff who gave up their time either before or on the trip. Hopefully the students enjoyed their time.