School Trips

Armadale Academy French Watersports Trip

On Saturday the 4 th of June 41 students and 5 members of staff left the Academy at 6.30am to make their way to the South of France to participate in a week long watersports trip. Pupils and staff would participate in a variety of sports organised and delivered by PGL staff in the beautiful setting of the South of France.

The trip began with a no stop 3 day canoe descent down the French Ardeche River where pupils completed descents ranging from 4km to 14km on the final day. During each descent we had to negotiate over rapids, rocks and try our best to prevent capsizing!! The setting was gorgeous and having lunch at the side of the river each day simply helped to make the journey even more beautiful, (if not quite hard work!!)

Evening activities were put on with the students taking part in Robot Wars and Superhero challenges and the days were always finished up with an evening disco where they could dance their socks off, or flip flops!!

We then moved down to the shores of France to a camp called Mimosa where pupils were then chucked into more watersports on the sea ranging from Pico Boats, Windsurfing, Snorkelling, Catamaran Sailing and Banana Boats.=

The pace of the trip was non stop but the physical activity that all undertook, the laughs, dips in the water (not all expected), and the weather made it all worth while.

All students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and for most it gave them a new experience, one which they will remember for ever!!

Alison Neilson

PE Teacher Armadale Academy

French Trip 2010

 

On the sunny Saturday evening of the 12^th of June 2010 some of Armadale Academy’s eager and excited pupils set out southbound for the famous city of Paris. Late on the sunnier and warmer Sunday afternoon, tired but no less excited, we arrived in Paris!

After checking in to our FIAP hotel and Keen to see the sights, we quickly left for our first proper view of Paris. First stop, the Paris Metro, a short journey to the very heart of the city to stroll across the Seine to see the famous Notre-Dame and the Popidou centre.

Day 2 was an early start to beat the traffic and arrive at Monmartre, climb the steps and see the stunning Sacre-Coeur Basilica and some even more stunning views out over central Paris. After lunch we headed to a less than modest royal country house, the Palais de Versailles and spent the sunny afternoon in the massive Jardins de Versailles and after failing to get lost in the giant avenues of the gardens we headed back to our temporary home for a well earned dinner and the chance to see Paris by night as a bus tour. The drive up the Champs Elysees and around the world famous Arc de Triomphe gave us some unique views of the designer shops and as well as the sunset behind the Grande Arch, a perfect end to our first full day.

Day 3 started early again, this time to beat the queues for the Eiffel Tower. Some of our group cheated and took the diagonal lifts up the metal tower but a heroic few decided to climb the 1600+ steps! We were all rewarded with a view even more impressive than those from Montmartre, once we caught our breath that is. Straight down the tower and we were on to catch a boat trip along the Seine for a totally different but equally impressive perspective of the city. After a hearty lunch we parked underground and headed to the Louvre Museum, browsed some of the shops and sights and finally some relaxation time in the Jardins des Tuileries in preparation for the last night in our hotel and the party to celebrate.

Our last day was the earliest start but everyone was excited about heading to Disneyland Paris and it did not disappoint! The shows, the rides and the weather were all exactly what we needed to round off our trip on a high, thanks to Mickey, Buzz, Woody and all the other favourites.

At about 6pm we started our long journey back up to Armadale, tired, some of us a little rosy cheeked from the sun but all of us having enjoyed our time in one of the most amazing cities in the world, Paris.

Have a look at our short video:-

 

French Trip Video 2010

Right click then press Play

London Theatre Trip

40 pupils visited London for a three day theatre break from 5-7^th June with Miss Morton, Mrs Easter, Mr Sharkey and Mr Boyle. A performance of the hit musical ‘Wicked’ was attended followed by an entertaining theatre workshop which allowed pupils –and staff – the opportunity to explore their theatrical and creative talents. After several hours of shopping heaven, pupils explored some of the sights of London, including a rare visit to Downing Street – much to everyone’s delight.

The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all and the pupils were a credit to the Academy for their excellent behaviour and enthusiasm at all times.

 

Write On! Creative Writing Conference

On 16^th September, ten S4 pupils attended a creative writing conference at Howden Park Centre accompanied by Miss Morton and Dr. Carter. Pupils were divided into groups with pupils from across the County and attended workshops with a selection of fantastic authors, poets and playwrights. In each workshop, strategies on how to approach creative writing were given and pupils had the opportunity to create and share their work. The pupils’ contribution and behaviour on the day was super and they should be praised for their efforts.