Year 5 pupils have been putting their teamwork, leadership and academic skills to the test in preparation for life at the Senior School. The whole of year 5, around 50 boys and girls aged 9 and 10, spent the day at College as part of the school’s programme to ease the transition from Junior to Senior School.

Along with their form tutors, the pupils embarked upon a school day with a difference. The morning activities started with an introduction to CCF, the College’s Combined Cadet Force under the watchful eye of Major Stephen Clark, the College’s Adjutant. The pupils pitted their wits against each other on the obstacle course, diving under nets, crawling through tunnels, balancing on ropes and learning how to work as a team to ensure everyone got to the end. Next it was kit cars where the pupils had to work together to build their cars before coming up with the best tactics to win the race. The pupils soon learnt that skill, dexterity and teamwork were more important than flat out speed! The morning concluded on the school lake where two groups of pupils went head to head in dinghy boats, moving boxes from one shore to the other. Determination, energy and quick thinking were in order for this task!

The afternoon then moved into the classroom, giving pupils the opportunity to meet future teachers and get a taste of senior school lessons. Spanish and German were first on the agenda, with pupils having to master numbers, colours, fruits and order in order to follow a recipe. Humanities in the Library was next, with the pupils opening their minds to the origins and meaning of everyday objects as well as learning the importance of questioning rather than simply accepting information given to them. Finally, a campus treasure hunt tested both their orienteering skills and their knowledge of College’s history.

The day concluded with afternoon tea for both the pupils and their parents, with the opportunity for the families to look round the school and the different boarding and day houses. Dr Peterken, Headmaster of Cheltenham College commented: “We are increasingly developing a sense of ownership, leadership and self responsibility in our young people. Such experience days not only take away the fear and mystery of Senior School but also open the pupils’ eyes to the breadth of opportunity that is on offer to them.”

Here is what the pupils thought of the day:

“My favourite part was the fact you had to make the cars before driving them.” Robin (5S)

“My favourite part was when I went upside down as I was climbing.” Max (5L)

“The obstacle course was exciting because you didn’t know what was going to come next.” Olivia (5L)

“I’ve never been on the lake in a boat before and it was brilliant to have go.” Robbie (5B)

“I thought the kit carting was really fun because it was difficult to see which pieces has to fit into other pieces.” Beth (5B)

“It was good to see the College and have a look at the houses and the activities were great.” Romilly (5S)