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• Year 6 Mersea - Day 4

  Fri 06 Jun 2025 Conor Clarke

  The last full day: somehow already done and the end is in sight!

   

  After a busy week of adventures, even the most energetic early risers needed a rest – the children had a well-earned lie-in until quarter past seven this morning, which tells you everything you need to know about how much they’ve packed in this week!

   

  Sadly, the weather didn’t hold today – the rain came in hard. Luckily, the final group heading into bushcraft were quick thinkers and made themselves a sturdy shelter before getting to work. They learnt how to prepare firewood and build a fire from scratch, then celebrated their efforts by roasting marshmallows and making delicious s’mores under cover.

   

  While that group were hard at work surviving the wild, the other children had just as much fun climbing, taking on the adventure course, and making one last trip down to the beach for a final hunt for sea glass.

   

  In the afternoon, all the groups came together for the much-anticipated It’s a Knockout! The school houses went head-to-head in a series of games that felt like they were pulled straight from the Gladiators TV show – complete with water, chaos and lots of cheering! There were even some surprise celebrity appearances from Mr Clarke, Ms Driscoll and Mrs Norman, who bravely attempted to pour water into the buckets on the children’s heads… with mixed success and plenty of friendly fire!

   

  After all the excitement, we finished the day with another round of French cricket and are now winding down with our hot chocolate for our final evening at Mersea.

   

  Tomorrow we’ll be having a swim in a heated pool (such luxury) and trying to find any lost socks and bits when we’re packing up.

   

  Goodnight from all the Dragonflies and we’ll see you all tomorrow! 

  

• Year 6 Mersea - Day 3

  Wed 04 Jun 2025 Mr Clark

  The second full day: another one in the bag!
   

  After a brilliant night’s sleep (not a single child up before half past six – a true residential lie-in!), everyone woke up refreshed and ready for more adventure. We filled up on breakfast, layered up, and got set for our second day out on the lake.

  
  Today’s activity was stand-up paddleboarding, and what a hit it was! In groups of ten, the children learnt how to row together as a team and had a go at some seriously fun games – from paddleboard catwalks to rounds of Captain’s Coming, and even a very splashy attempt at the hokey-cokey! Some of them ended up in the water, but it was fantastic to see so many children throwing themselves into it and pushing past their nerves – a huge well done for being so brave!

  
  Another group took on the climbing wall this afternoon. As well as getting to grips with the climb itself, the children learnt how to belay safely for their partner – showing real trust, responsibility and encouragement. There were lots of cheers and proud smiles from everyone who pushed themselves and even a few who reached the very top!

  
  One group spent one of the day’s sessions solving puzzles in the team challenge. There was a mix of activities – some that tested their thinking, and others that needed teamwork and physical problem-solving. It was great to see how well they communicated and supported each other to find solutions.

  
  The second group got their chance to head into the woods for bushcraft today. They built fires, learnt how to cook outdoors, and made their own bread to toast over the flames. There were some very creative shapes and flavours on display – and the smoky bread smell was a particular highlight!

  
  The weather had just about held, but we had to cut-short  a bit of French cricket before the sun disappears. Now it’s time to wind down with our evening routine (yes – the hot chocolate and biscuit supply is still going strong!) before bed.
   

  It’s hard to believe it’s already Thursday – the week is flying!

  
  Goodnight from the Dragonflies!

  

• Year 6 Mersea - Day 2

  Tue 03 Jun 2025 Mr Clark

  The first full day: done and dusted!

  
  Whilst going to sleep went exactly as planned, some of us were a bit too eager eager to get going today – one tent was up and brushing their teeth at half past three this morning (apparently forgetting that it was still dark for a reason!). After a slightly sleepy start from the adult if not the kids, we got into the swing of another action-packed day.

  
  All groups took on kayaking today. Despite battling 24mph winds, the children showed amazing resilience and determination. The instructors were genuinely blown away – not one complaint, just lots of effort and encouragement for one another! We did wrap up about twenty minutes early so everyone could warm up with a well-earned hot shower.

  
  Later, we had some free time to explore the beach. There was lots of excitement searching the rock pools – plenty of crabs were spotted (and safely returned!).

  
  Other groups zoomed around the go-kart track, trying their best to follow the Highway Code, while one group took on the Leap of Faith. A huge well done to everyone who pushed themselves to have a go!

  
  We’ve also spent time just enjoying being together – playing group games like one touch or relaxing in our tents.

  
  The children have been a real credit to all their parents and the instructors keep saying they’ve never had a nicer bunch of kids!

  
  Now off to claim our biscuits and hot chocolate to relax after a tiring and full day! 

  
  Goodnight from the Dragonflies !

  

• Year 6 Mersea - Day 1

  Mon 02 Jun 2025 Mr Clark

  The first day: completed!

   

  The excitement began before we even set off, as we were all given our brand-new hoodies – they look fantastic and were proudly worn on the coach journey to Mersey. Thank you to the Friends of St Mary’s for getting these all sorted! 

   

  We arrived to glorious sunshine and lots of energy. After finding out our tent groups, we worked together to set up our cosy new homes for the week – the children were all very excited to make the tents their own!

   

  Then it was straight into the action! Two groups had a fantastic time building and racing their own kit karts, growing more daring with each turn as they took on steeper and steeper hills. One group headed deep into the forest to light fires, chop wood and build shelters – proper outdoor adventuring! Another group even managed to fit in some archery, with everyone improving with every shot.

   

  We had our dinner and are now having hot chocolate and biscuits before bed. I’m sure it will be an early night in order for getting up tomorrow with lots of energy for our first full day

   

  Night from all of us in Dragonflies Class!

  

• Year 5 Danbury - Day 3

  Wed 14 May 2025 Mrs Potter

  After a much better sleep all round, the children were up and packing which took some much longer than others! The wandering belongings never cease to amaze us! Our last breakfast did not disappoint with sausage baguettes, croissants and cereal on the menu.

  After breakfast, the groups headed off for their final two activities which included caving, aerial trekking and the climbing wall. 

  We then headed back for our final meal of jacket potatoes before heading home.

  It has been incredible to watch these wonderful children take on challenges and really push themselves. Not only in the activities but also by being away from home. We are so proud of them as I'm sure you are too. They have been fantastic company and we hope that they have learnt and grown from the experience.

  Thank you for your support in preparing them and to all the staff, without whom these trips would not be possible.

  

• Year 5 Danbury - Day 2

  Tue 13 May 2025 Mrs Potter

  After a (not long enough) sleep in the cabins, everyone was up early. Breakfast was sausages, bacon, beans and hash browns with a selection of cereals, fruit and toast - as well as lots of caffeine (for the adults!). 

   

  After breakfast, groups 1 and 2 headed to the lake for kayaking and canoeing. We all had a fantastic time which ended in all of us swimming at the end! Group 3 took on the problem solving and zip wire before we all met back for lunch. Lunch was pizza, wedges and salad which, after a busy morning, resulted in very few leftovers!

   

  The afternoon saw Group 3 take to the water having an equally brilliant time whilst the other groups got involved with problem solving, aerial trekking, bush craft and the climbing wall.

   

  Back at base, dinner was tomato pasta or pasta bolognaise. The children have been fantastic eaters; trying everything and waiting for each other to finish before leaving the table.

   

  This evening we will be heading out for a walk and some games before the tired children make their way into bed where the adults are hopeful that all will be out like a light!

   

  A morning of activities await us on Wednesday before we head home after lunch.

  

• Year 5 Danbury - Day 1

  Mon 12 May 2025 Mrs Potter

  A successful first day here at Danbury! The afternoon saw groups taking part in caving, zip wire and bush craft. The children were fantastic - getting involved in all the activities and supporting each other.

   

  After the activities, it was back to the cabins for a little rest before dinner which was roast chicken, potatoes, yorkshire pudding and vegetables with a delicious chocolate cake for dessert. 

   

  After dinner, children had a choice of a movie evening, games outside or games in their cabins. A drink and snack before bed at 9pm ready for another day on adventure on Tuesday!

  

• Year 5 Dance Show

  Fri 21 Mar 2025 Mrs Potter

  One of the highlight of the week has definitely been the dance show after school on Wednesday. Well done to all the children and thank you to the parents who came to support. We are so proud of you all for getting up there and dancing—well done!

  

• Year 6 Science Fair

  Wed 19 Mar 2025 Mrs Holmes

  In celebration of British science week, every class across the entire school have worked hard on their own class investigation. This week, year 6 held a school science fair. In groups, they chose their own enquiry to investigate, made prototypes, collected data, presented their data in graphs, changed variables and presented their results to the rest of the school. They took it in turns to talk about their enquiry, to discuss their findings and inspired many of their younger peers, as the room filled with ‘wow!’ and ‘that’s so cool!’. As a school, we have been working incredibly hard this year on elevating our science curriculum and have been taking part in the PSQM (Primary Science Quality Mark), which we hope to achieve at the end of the year. Well done year 6 on your confident delivery and outstanding science knowledge.

  

• Friends of St Mary’s Logo Competition

  Mon 10 Mar 2025 Mrs Flack

  Friends of St Mary's recently ran a competition to design our new logo. We were overwhelmed by the      fantastic entries we received. They really showcased all the creative imaginations you have. 

  It was a very tricky decision, however, after much deliberation we finally settled on our winner.

  Congratulations to Nuala in Year 5 who was our competition winner. We can't wait to see her vision be brought to life by a graphic artist!