A WEEK IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 25th of May 2011

Hornsby House School, a co-educational independent school for 4-11 year olds in Balham, was unusually quiet last week.

Years 4, 5 and 6 spent a memorable week away in three unique locations Shropshire, Normandy and Scotland and experienced a wide range of outdoor activities.

These 'school journeys' are an important part of the curriculum at Hornsby House. The children go away for the first time in Year 3, to Hindleap Warren in Sussex, just an hour away from school. Each subsequent journey is designed as a progression from the previous one in terms of distance away and the activities involved.

Year 4 went to PGL at Boreatton Park in Shropshire and undertook a wide range of activities on site from abseiling to canoeing and sliding down the zip wire.

Year 5 crossed the English Channel to Normandy. They stayed at Le Ch�teau du Broutel, which has a fascinating history and is set in extensive grounds. The children spoke French and took part in activities such as archery, fencing and the obstacle course. They also visited a local market and even learned to make real mayonnaise!

The Year 6 children flew up to Scotland for a six-day course of team building and adventure in a stunning, remote location on the West coast. The activities were designed to make the most of the wild, natural environment at Ardmore and included climbing a mountain, swimming in the sea loch, fishing for lobsters in the traditional way and building rafts. They also learned survival skills, such as orienteering, making fires and constructing shelters, to ready themselves for the highlight of the week survival night and every child made it through to enjoy the hearty survivors' breakfast the next morning.

Jon Gray, Headmaster, said, 'The Hornsby House school journeys give all our children confidence and a great sense of achievement and are truly life-changing for some. The children return to school more positive, independent and ready for the next challenge. For our Year 6 children, the adventurous Highland trip is superb preparation for the move to senior school.'

For more information, to speak to the Headmaster or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Mrs Alex Salandin at Hornsby House School
Hearnville Road, SW12 8RS
020 8673 7573 or school@hornsby-house.co.uk.
www.hornsby-house.co.uk

* The Good Schools Guide describes Hornsby House as 'A really great local school'.

* Jon Gray was the youngest prep school head in the country when he was appointed in 2006. The Good Schools Guide describes him as 'practical, down-to-earth and well liked with lots of inspiring ideas for bringing the best from his pupils'. School inspectors said that 'the loyalty of the staff to the headmaster is phenomenal' and gave Jon Gray the highest grade available in their report: 'The leadership of the headmaster is highly effective'.

* 75% of Hornsby House pupils go on to one of six local independent day schools. The remainder go to a variety of other day and boarding schools.

* Over 70 scholarships and awards have been won by Hornsby House pupils over the last four years.

* Hornsby House is a charitable trust and is a member of IAPS (The Independent Association of Prep Schools).