Ford Castle – A Memorable Experience

Once again, a week at Ford Castle proved to be an experience which the children of J2 will remember for the rest of their lives. The weather for the first two weeks of March was outstanding. Although chilly at times, sun and blue skies each day allowed every outdoor activity to be enjoyed to the full. Running as it does from the Cheviot Hills, the stream chosen for kick sampling was very cold but this did not deter the children, who had been anticipating this morning/afternoon since last year’s groups raved about it on their return. The views from Holy Island were spectacular; seals basked in the sun on a distant beach and the Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle could be seen clearly across the shimmering North Sea. The visit to Berwick-upon-Tweed was another highlight. The variety within the Town Hall and the stories behind the walls of the town made an impression on even the most blasé of children. The orienteering in the grounds at the start and close of the week proved to be challenging but most enjoyable. The spectacular dunes behind Cheswick Beach and the opportunity to leap, run and roll down them will provide a conversation topic for months (perhaps years?) to come. Unexpected delights added to the enjoyment of each day; the presence of a seal by the old bridge in Berwick, for example, the River Tweed lapping over the pavement, the extent of the history found within Ford Castle itself, the peace around the nature trail at Wooler Common. The food, the bedrooms, the afternoon games and evening activities, the bedtime stories, the singing and the company all contributed to make a memorable experience for every child.

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Junior School
The Support for Learning Department