ETA

We have just changed drivers at Maidstone. ETA is 15:30.

Travel Update

Just getting off the ferry in Dover now. Estimated time of arrival is 15:00-15:30.

Keep an eye out for the most up to date travel information

Travel Update

We are waiting at the Calais port. Our ferry is due to leave at 12:30pm as they would not let us catch the earlier one.

Travel Update

We are currently having breakfast two hours away from Calais.

Award Winners

Bumble Bee – Mr. McGarr won this due to the fact that he is the only person not to have had any sort of fall to date and being classed as a show off. Although Mr. Smith tried to make out that it was due to him throwing a strop due to the fact that the advanced group did the main black run before he had chance. He also took a slalom gate completely out of the ground before the racing began as well.

Crab – Miss. Montgomery won this due to the fact that she was late in with her group so we missed the bus and had to walk back to the hotel. All be it a minute, we still missed the bus and had to take on the dreaded 5 minute walk of carrying our ski equipment to the hotel.

Batman Cape – Ella won this due to the fact that she lost her skis on a chair lift and did not realise, which meant she tried to ski off at the chair lift at the other end only to fall over face first.

Cuddles – Zoe is in charge of looking after cuddles the dog as she sat on a fence before the day of skiing began and broke it. Naughty Zoe.

Beginners Most Improved – Megan & Zoe

Beginners 1 Most Improved – Louie & Freddie

Intermediate Most Improved – Morgan & Chris

Advanced Most Improved – Eliana & Mary

Day 4 on the slopes

What a day of success we had today! A massive shout out must go to Ben, Kody, Morgan and Will for completing their first ever black run after being promoted to the intermediate group in the morning after only 3 days of skiing. A fantastic achievement for the boys. The advanced group also took on the main black run of Aprica in the morning which they thoroughly enjoyed due to the speed of the run.

Yet again we were blessed to have fantastic weather with clear blue skies, temperatures roaring and the lift music systems keeping all in high spirits. Today was the first time that every single group made it to the top of the mountain which was an achievement in itself. Again, there were jumps and tumbles but the pupils and staff by now could all consider themselves as skiers due to their improved technique and control.

In the afternoon, it was time for the ESJ giant slalom competition to see who the fastest pupil was from each group. The event was a great success with pupils flying through the course and cheering one another on (results to follow today).

The day was finished off with a night of ice skating which was a great way to spend our final night together. It must be said that it feels as though 43 friends have come away rather than a school trip as all children have represented themselves and the school in a superb manner whilst having fun with the teachers.

Day 3 on the slopes

By far today was the funniest and most productive day of skiing on the trip to date. All groups progressed deep into the heart of the mountains, with the beginners 2 group reaching the summit of the mountain.

            

The day started as always with an early wake up call for the children, which of course always goes down well. After a filling breakfast, we were on the slopes within the hour with red runs and blue runs being taken on by all first thing. People began to fall and slip over as soon as the skiing began though, with pupils falling off drag lifts and on one occasion 3 pupils in the intermediate group fell off the same lift, whilst Louis tried to hold onto it letting himself drag across the snow before finally letting go about 80 meters later. Everyone was safe an unhurt but some of the tumbles were quite amusing with Lewis taking a dive into some deep snow. Although we did have a few tumbles in the day, like previously mentioned the progression and development of all pupils was clear to see and it was great to see how far they had come on in such a sport space of time. After a stop for hot chocolate the groups were reenergised and working on their parallel and carving turns. Both staff and students were having tumbles and developing their skiing techniques but the bonds between pupils and staff were clear to all and it was a fantastic family atmosphere on the slopes.

The evening saw the year 11s staying at the hotel having a night of revision before enjoying a pizza delivery to feast on for their hard efforts. The rest of the group travelled down the mountain for an evening of tenpin bowling and games which saw Will win himself a new sword that he is desperate to take onto the slopes for a sword selfie.