Newsletter Trinity Term 2009 - Alleyn's School

The Buxton Field Centre was bought by the school in 1974 and has been
used ever since, by pupils, staff (and sometimes parents) throughout the school.
This June, as always, each Year 7 class spent four days there after exams in order to
experience community living, to walk in the countryside surrounded by fields and sheep and to enjoy a range of outward bound pursuits –
as well as laying the table and clearing up (for the first time?). It was originally a crossing-keeper's cottage on the former Cromford and
High Peak railway, but has since been extended and modernised, particularly under the caring and enthusiastic leadership of Mr Alldrick,
‘ ’
I surprised myself by doing some things
that I thought I could not do.
Freddy Dalby Bowler
who remains at the Centre for the duration of the Year 7 trips. In the last two years there has
been substantial investment from the School. What is especially remarkable is the manner in
which everyone – and this is so characteristic of pupils throughout Alleyn’s – gives support
to one another. So after some had zipped Tarzan-like through the trees in aerial extreme,
their first thought was to stand at various points throughout the course and urge on those who were less sure-footed. And how satisfying
it is for staff to see pupils who have spent the last few weeks worrying about their
claustrophobia or acrophobia suddenly complete an abseil or emerge from a cave in
‘ ’
Go-karting with Mr Smith is scary and
fun at the same time. Arthur Morgan
tears of happiness because they have
conquered their life-long anxiety.
Pupils always return to school brimming
with happy memories from their visit: having bonded with classmates and extended
friendships beyond the small groups they may have been clinging to for the last two
terms. Even sixth formers have been heard chattering nostalgically, recalling it as one
of their very best Alleyn's experiences. From these photos it is easy to see why!
‘ ’
It helped me gain self-confidence and
think independently. Shreyus Bagga
‘
Buxton has definitely bought our class
closer together. We have all achieved
something, whether it is getting over a fear of
heights or learning to become more independent,
but we would’ve never been able to achieve
these things without the help and encouragement
’
of one another. Now we are the perfect team!
Antonia Van Dunem