Year 4's Adventure at Newby Wiske Hall

 Back in May, our Year 4 pupils set off on a truly exciting residential trip to Newby Wiske Hall, a PGL adventure centre in the heart of North Yorkshire. With bags packed and spirits high, the children departed school at 10am, buzzing with anticipation for three action-packed days of fun and outdoor adventure.  

We arrived at the centre and were quickly shown to our accommodation. Much to the children’s delight, the rooms featured fabulous funky bunk pods, which made unpacking even more exciting! After settling in, we headed straight to the canteen for a delicious lunch to fuel us up for the day ahead. 

The afternoon brought our first two activities, with the children split into two groups. One group tackled the thrilling ‘All Aboard’ challenge, climbing to the top of a 6-metre pole where teamwork was essential! In groups of four, the children had to share a small platform at the top, a true test of balance, bravery and co-operation. Once the challenge was completed, they carefully abseiled down, many overcoming their fears along the way. Meanwhile, the second group enjoyed the fast-paced fun of ‘Micro Scooters’. Zooming around and taking part in races and contests, the children built confidence, co-ordination and had a “wheelie” good time! Afterward, the groups swapped activities so everyone had a turn. 

Following our adventurous afternoon, we enjoyed a hearty dinner before wrapping up the day with a lively Game Show Night. Full of laughs, cheers and some very loud answers, it showcased everybody’s competitive spirit and was a wonderful way to end the day. 

The next morning, we kicked off with a Sensory Trail where the children, blindfolded, had to guide each other through an obstacle course. This activity really highlighted the importance of trust, clear communication and again, teamwork. They all excelled! Then came the real highlight of the trip – Raft Building! Using barrels, ropes and wooden poles, the children designed and built their own rafts before testing them on the water. It was an amazing team exercise that brought the children’s problem-solving and decision-making skills to the forefront– and yes, quite a few ended up taking a (sometimes unintentional!) dip in the chilly water! In the afternoon, it was time to face the exhilarating Zipwire. Soaring through the air, the children showed incredible courage, cheered on by their peers. Everyone pushed themselves to be brave and all of the children participated. It was a proud moment for all. 

We finished our day with the calming and fascinating Eco Explorer activity, where we ventured along a nature trail, solving puzzles, quizzes and engaging with sensory tasks, a fabulous way to slow down and appreciate the natural world around us. 

On our final morning, the excitement continued with the Outdoor Climbing Tower which was a great opportunity to test agility and determination. We rounded off the trip with an Archery session, where pupils focused on concentration, aim and accuracy. 

After three unforgettable days packed with adventure, challenge, laughter and learning, our very tired teachers and even more exhausted children returned to school with amazing stories to tell and wonderful memories to share. This residential was a true celebration of teamwork, courage, friendship and fun. An experience our Year 4s (and Miss Long) will never forget!