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The Year 11 residential weekend to Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire took place over 24th to 26th March 2023. This trip has become a regular fixture on the school calendar and is one that is hotly anticipated by all involved. This year 38 students made the two-hour coach trip to the Lincolnshire countryside, joined by Mr Griffiths and Mr Seymour representing Science, Ms Battell and Mr Martin from team Maths and Ms Phoenix and Mrs Tyrer flying the flag for the English department. On arrival we were greeted by our lovely PGL guide, Abi.  

Once settled in to our accommodation, it was off to supper. The food hall would become a familiar sight. It seemed as if you only had to blink and you would find yourself queueing up for your next meal! 

After a quick tour of the grounds with Abi it was off to our first activity, Quiz Night. We still are not truly sure who won the quiz, all we can say for sure is that amongst the questions, tennis ball catching rounds and blind folded challenges (Darius L stumbling over being a particular highlight) good times were had.  

After some much needed sleep we were up bright and early for a morning of revision. We rotated around three groups, each with an hour of Maths, English and Science. Our classrooms located in the historic old house, Caythorpe Court itself. The house served as a scenic and surreal backdrop to the revision. Outside of the classroom the scientists were taking part in an orienteering trail as part of their revision activity. This allowed students to become familiar with the site whilst hunting the carefully hidden Biology questions. The students were enthusiastic and appreciative of the materials provided and the guidance their teachers gave. In fact, they were a joy to be with! Thomas H even discovered his true love of Biology!  

With revision out of the way it was time for another quick trip to the food hall and some much-needed down time before our activities started. The activities on offer this year were Zip-lining, Axe Throwing, the High Rope Obstacle Course and the feared Trapeze. Over Saturday and Sunday each student had the opportunity to give each a good go. Impressively most students not only attempted Trapeze but made their jumps with ease. Mr Seymour and Mr Griffiths get a special mention for being the only teachers to complete the Trapeze and Ms Phoenix for completing the High Rope Course. It was Jacinda B who found her calling with the High Ropes Course however, flying through and setting the time to beat. A worrying number of students also discovered their natural talent for Axe Throwing, special mention goes to Sam W and James G as well as Mr Martin… even more worryingly!   

On Saturday, after activities there was time for some more down time and a visit to the gift shop. Of course, students took the opportunity to restock their depleting sweet and snack hoards, peruse the magnets branded with funny slogans and consider buying a PGL teddy bear! With the shop out of the way it was time for Saturday evening’s activity, Campfire. Around the campfire surrounded by pitch black, students roasted marshmallows, sang songs and showed off their weird and wonderful talents. A few ghost stories were even shared.  

Sunday saw a repeat of Saturday with revision in the morning and activities after lunch. The only difference to note here is that Mr Martin lost a game during the Axe throwing where he had to hit the target in order to win the use of his cutlery with supper. After not hitting the target once he stuck to his word and ate his fish fingers with his own fingers! By the time we were queued up for supper the coach to take us home had arrived.  

A chain-gang of students and staff was organised to get our luggage outside and to the coach.  All pitched in so that we were ready to return to Norfolk. We thanked Abi, who had been so helpful and friendly all weekend and said goodbye to Caythorpe for another year.  The journey home was quiet and we got back to Attleborough at around 8.30pm without a hitch. 

I would like to thank all the teachers involved with this trip for giving up their weekend to provide our Year 11s with a revision boost and some great memories. I would also like to thank Mrs Briggs and Mrs Allen for their behind-the-scenes support with setting up the trip. Lastly and more importantly, I would like to thank all 38 students who were so fabulous all weekend.  They are a credit to their parents/carers and to Attleborough Academy. The praise from Caythorpe themselves was incredibly high. They did us proud!