Going Beyond the Curriculum
9 October 2024 - All
Activities Days provide a unique opportunity for pupils to step outside the traditional classroom setting and engage in enriching, hands-on learning experiences. During our last Activities Days a few weeks ago, pupils enjoyed a range of activities designed to encourage them to dive deeper into topics and pursuits that complement their regular academic curriculum.
UIII Lacrosse
UIII enjoyed an exciting day of lacrosse, where pupils had the opportunity to focus on the fundamentals of the sport through engaging drills and matches, as for many, this was their first taste of the sport. The day emphasised teamwork, strategy, and skill development, allowing pupils to develop their abilities while fostering camaraderie between the girls. The event concluded with friendly matches that showcased the progress made throughout the day. Pupils were left excited and ready for competitive and internal lacrosse matches in the future.
UIII Natural History Museum Trip
UIII visited the Natural History Museum in Oxford, where they explored fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient fossils, and the wonders of the natural world. Pupils also enjoyed expert talks on evolution and later competed in a taxing quiz that tested their newfound knowledge. At the end of the day, pupils participated in an art session where they were encouraged to sketch their favourite artefact in the museum.
LIV Bletchley Park Trip
LIV took an enlightening trip to Bletchley Park, the historic site of World War Two codebreaking efforts. Pupils explored the museum’s fascinating exhibits, learning about the crucial role played by codebreakers like Alan Turing in deciphering the Enigma machine and contributing to the allied victory. The visit included interactive sessions that allowed the girls to engage with the history of cryptography, sparking their interest in mathematics, technology, and the importance of intelligence in warfare.
LIV Film Day
Film Day allowed LIV pupils to explore different elements of filmmaking through various activities. Girls took part in workshops that encouraged collaboration and creativity as they worked on their own projects.
UIV Beaumanor Hall Activity Centre Trip
During their trip to Beaumanor Hall, UIV enjoyed a variety of exhilarating activities, including the challenging nightline obstacle course, where they navigated muddy paths blindfolded, and bushcraft, where they successfully built fires and shelters despite the rain. The high ropes circuit and zipline pushed pupils out of their comfort zones, and despite the cold and rain, pupils ended the day sharing stories and games around the campsite.
UIV Leicester Space Centre Trip
UIV visited the National Space Centre, where they enjoyed immersive workshops and planetarium shows. In the Planetarium, pupils marvelled at the stunning holographic decorations while learning about Ursa Major, and were captivated by the engaging storytelling and interactive voting buttons. The highlight of the trip was the ”It IS Rocket Science” show, which included exciting experiments, such as a combustion demonstration, culminating in a thrilling Tetrastar Mission to Mars.
LV Duke of Edinburgh
LV embarked on a wet Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) weekend. Pupils navigated their routes using maps and compasses, working together to overcome muddy trails and unpredictable conditions as they camped overnight, improving their outdoor survival skills. Despite the challenging weather, the girls showcased strong resilience as they completed their expedition with a sense of achievement.
UV Trenches Trip
UV embarked on a two-day trip to the World War One battlefields in France, providing an unforgettable opportunity to grasp the scale of the conflict and its impact on countless individuals and nations. Highlights included visits to significant sites such as the Newfoundland Memorial Park, the Thiepval Memorial, and the German cemetery, each offering unique perspectives on the war’s history and sacrifices.
LVI Communications Conference
LVI pupils participated in the annual Communications Conference, where experienced journalists Victoria Smith and Chris Maughan spoke about effective crisis management and media interviews. The pupils were divided into teams representing the public relations department of a fictional ice cream company, ‘The Fabulous Cow,’ and faced various crisis scenarios while articulating their response strategies under pressure.
LVI Silverstone Trip
LVI visited Silverstone F1 racecourse, where they toured the Silverstone Museum, explored its history as a WWII RAF base, and experienced a thrilling 4D simulation racing alongside Lewis Hamilton. The pupils raced each other on a model track and learned about the vast array of roles within F1 teams, with approximately 200,000 people contributing to the development of a single car. The trip offered valuable insights into the complexities of this global business, and pupils look forward to hearing from Wycombe Abbey Senior and F1 Media Content Creator Lissie Mackintosh during her upcoming Carrington talk in November.
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UVI Academic Forum
UVI participated in an Academic Forum with local schools to give pupils a taste of university learning and support their applications. The day included creative presentations on everyday objects related to their chosen degrees, Multiple Mini Interviews for medical applicants, and interview practice for other disciplines. The afternoon featured subject-specific sessions culminating in a competitive quiz that left all pupils energised and excited for their future endeavours.
Here at Wycombe Abbey, we are passionate about the enriching educational experiences Activities Days foster. We believe that in encouraging pupils to connect theory with practice in the way these Activities Days encourage, pupils will develop a life-long love of learning.
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