This week has been quieter in school, but noisier in the Botley area, as Year 6 have been away on their annual week-long residential at Fairthorne Manor.

In what has been glorious autumnal sunshine for the most part, the pupils have enjoyed a great range of outdoor activities, here for example using pioneering skills to build a swing that was so strong even Mr Land and myself got to have a go (after the pupils, of course!).  Hop over to the Year 6 blog for more detailed updates on their adventures this week – all that I need to add is my thanks to the colleagues who have led both the Year 6 trip, and the recent Year 5 residential trips to the Sustainability Centre, which are reported on the Year 5 blog.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Ten pupils were lucky enough to be involved in a visit to the Port of Portsmouth as part of Maritime UK Week.

The event was a showcase of careers and opportunities in the maritime world, both on shore and afloat.  The day started with a series of 5-minute job reports from a range of people including staff from the Royal Navy, Brittany Ferries and Viking cruise ships to name just 3.

After that, we were lucky enough to have a detailed guided tour of the Viking cruise ship from Third Officer Lars, with an incredible chance to see luxury afloat on a vessel that is usually only for adult passengers.

On the quayside                                 The atrium staircase

Third Officer bridge tour                    Norwegian chocolate from the Captain

Following the cruise ship tour, we went to the quayside to watch cargo vessels unloading bananas (lots of bananas!) before having a minibus tour of the Naval Dockyard by Sub-Lieutenant Bryan (who was taking a break from his helicopter training).  The day finished with a visit to Boathouse No. 4 at the Historic Dockyard, giving a chance to see traditional boat making crafts and skills.

Enormous thanks go to Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, and to Miss Chapman and Mrs Chapman for organising and leading the trip.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher

Sunday 2nd October saw pupils from the schools in the local area don their uniforms to attend 10:30 Mass at Sacred Heart and St Peter the Apostle in Waterlooville.

St Peter’s was very well represented, not just in numbers attending, but also in readers and singers.

As ever, thanks go to Fr Jeremy and Fr James for con-celebrating Mass, and to Miss Heath our lay chaplain for coordinating much of the proceedings.

Mr R Cunningham
Headteacher