Thirty-six excited pupils and four teachers set off at 11.30am on Friday 8th June and although our journey was much longer than expected - due mainly to a four-hour delay to our ferry crossing caused by stormy weather in the English Channel - this was not a problem as there was plenty of banter and many sing-a-longs (“We love you Burnley, we do!”) to keep us entertained. However, when we did arrive at our French campsite it was great to get the chance to chill out and play games in the pool.

The next two days were full of laughs and challenges as we paddled thirty-two km through the wonderful Ardèche gorge, spent a night under the stars and had the opportunity to do a few rock jumps.

We then moved on through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy where our activities included white water rafting, gorge walking in glacial water (brrr...), rock climbing and high ropes. The most challenging but hilarious experience was squeezing through tiny spaces in rocks. As well as the planned activities we entertained Acorn staff with the “Miss Villeneuve” and “Bob the Builder” pageant and congratulations to the winners, Harvey Stroud and Beth Muirhead.

I think there is no doubt everyone enjoyed the trip - it certainly brought our group of new S6 pupils closer together. We had a fabulous time and the memories will remain with us for a very long time to come.
A big thank you to all the teachers who joined us on this trip, especially Mr McEwen who we hope enjoyed his last trip with Wallace Hall Academy.