Year 8 walk the Clarendon Way - What. A. Day.

There was an innocent hum of optimism on our coach journey, as we wound our way west to Winterslow, most - I think - blissfully unaware of what was ahead of us.

I found myself reflecting on how long we’d been on the coach, knowing that we were going to have to walk the same distance back. With 45 Year 8 boys. On a hot day! However, buoyed by a pre-walk flapjack, we successfully navigated our way on to the Clarendon Way and basically got a bit of a shift on. Due to some mildly inaccurate measuring of distance on Mr Reynold's and my behalf, we found ourselves at our lunch stop about an hour early, and we made the punchy decision to push on to half-way (15km) before stopping for lunch. This decision was universally approved of, and despite the second leg being a little more tiring, we made good time and were met by Mr Duncan and a very welcome group of parents, laden with goods and emotional support.

There had been some discussion about how many might call it a day there, but when asked who fancied a lift back, we had our answer. None. They were up for it! The third leg was comfortably the most challenging, and at 10km, the longest, too. It was properly hilly, and whilst the spread between the front and the back grew, we all made it to our second stop, which was just past Farley Mount.

In truth, this was the first point where I was absolutely convinced that boys were going to call it a day. 24km in meant that there were some very tired boys (and staff!) out there, because it had got significantly hotter as the day wore on. With the exception of the Qs, who were very sad to have to be whisked back to sing and Harrison E, who did astonishingly well to get as far as he did with a long-standing heel issue, limping but absolutely determined through the last 6km, not one boy dropped out.

Mentally, the last leg was tough. The pace dropped right off and blisters and hips and backs were now becoming a more pressing issue. However, we pushed as a group and walked our way through town before stopping for our photo in front of the cathedral. We had done it! 30km pretty much on the nose and back in to school at 6pm exactly. 

I'm not really sure how to sum up how big an achievement this is. For some boys, this will have been a long way outside of their comfort zones and a considerable way past their longest ever walks. We had no complaints from anyone for the entire walk, and the boys walked in groups, in pairs, or on their own, happy in their own thoughts, switching between these states throughout. It was a very happy day, and I am hugely proud of them all.

My enormous thanks go Mr Reynolds for risk assessing the walk with me - we did the whole thing (about 50km in total) a couple of weeks ago - and for being mad enough to do it again! My thanks to Mr Short and Miss Purcell for being excellent company, entertaining walking colleagues and for supporting the boys so well when the going got tough. My thanks to Mr Duncan for spending the day in the minibus in between meetings, dropping off our lunch and ferrying boys back when needed. My thanks to Mrs Wright for helping with the logistical support of the parents, which was invaluable, and finally to Mrs Birks, for dealing with my last-minute requests with the calmness and patience of a saint! 

Mr Will Darlow
Head of English
Head of Year 8
 

London trip

Last Friday, as part of the Year 8 Leavers’ Programme, some lucky members of staff accompanied said Year 8s to London on the 0919 train from Winchester to Waterloo. With all boys successfully arriving at the Science Museum, they were treated to amazing exhibitions on technology, maths, engineering, medicine, and, finally, witnessed a show all about rockets with live demonstrations. Some of the boys took part and became the rocket, at one point, and then they were shown explosions of hydrogen and acetylene (see pictures), used to fuel some rockets (aka Pringle’s Crisp tubes).

After a dash back to Waterloo on the tube, the boys had an ice cream before hopping on the train back to Winchester, along with the Friday afternoon commuters. With all boys successfully arriving back at school, the staff breathed a sigh of relief! Well done, Mrs Bailey, for another fabulously organised trip!

Ms Bryony Carpenter
Science Teacher

Sandbanks day

The boys enjoyed water-based activities in the calm, shallow waters of glorious Poole Harbour, with lots of sun too.

Life skills, plaiting bread with our Catering Manager

Catering Manager, Sam Birks, gives a valuable life skills lesson to the Year 8s on their Leavers' Programme.

I had the pleasure over the last two weeks of spending some time with our Year 8s as part of their life skills programme.

Some time was spent discussing food safety and basic food hygiene practices around food cooking and storage and the boys had a tour of the kitchens and stores. We then endeavoured to make an 8-strand plaited loaf and, on the whole, they all turned out well with an identifiable plait on all of them.

The boys kneaded the bread, added their own flavourings, and we discussed how recipes are there as a guide, and that cooking and baking is all about using your creative flair and experimenting with flavours. These sometimes work and sometimes don’t, but that is all part of the fun!

Ms Sam Birks
Catering Manager

Bike Maintenance and Skills Session with Mr Leslie

As part of our life skills programme this week, Year 8 enjoyed a highly successful and engaging morning focused on bike maintenance and handling skills.

This hands-on session was designed to equip the boys with essential knowledge and confidence for safe cycling, whether navigating busy urban traffic or exploring off-road trails.

The maintenance component began with a thorough introduction to the systematic 'M' check—a methodical inspection covering wheels, brakes, steering, and drive chain that every cyclist should perform regularly. The boys learned to identify potential issues before they become serious problems, examining tyre pressure, brakes, and chain tension. We then progressed to practical problem-solving, demonstrating how to address common mechanical issues that every cyclist inevitably encounters: repairing punctures using patch kits and portable pumps, re-engaging a derailed chain safely, and adjusting saddle height and angle for optimal comfort and efficiency.

The session also introduced the boys to essential tools that every cyclist should carry, including multi-tools, tyre levers, and portable pumps, explaining when and how to use each effectively, as well as alternatives they may have around the house. Understanding these basics not only promotes independence but also builds confidence for longer rides and cycling adventures.

The skills component proved valuable, featuring carefully designed exercises that tested balance, coordination, and precise bike handling in confined spaces. These activities included slow-speed manoeuvring, tight turning circles, and navigating narrow corridors marked by cones. Such skills are invaluable, whether cycling through busy traffic where sudden stops and tight turns may be necessary, or tackling technical off-road terrain requiring precise control and balance.

Throughout the morning, there were impressive displays of natural ability, with many boys demonstrating tidy technique and enthusiasm for the challenges. While the obstacles may have been more frequently ridden over rather than precisely navigated through—much to everyone's amusement—the learning experience was thoroughly positive and the smiles evident throughout reflected the boys' enjoyment of all things on two wheels.

Happy (and safe) cycling Year 8!

Mr Steve Leslie
Head of Geography