Year 7 pupils at Mowden enjoyed what can only be described as an outstanding residential experience, combining adventure, history, teamwork and friendship across Oxfordshire and the south coast.
After travelling south and settling into their accommodation, the children quickly embraced the spirit of the week, making the most of time together and preparing for the packed itinerary ahead. The first full day saw them hosted by Radley College’s Agricultural Centre, where they threw themselves wholeheartedly into a wonderfully varied programme.
From handling livestock and learning about animal care, to cooking lunch over a campfire, meeting the remarkable inhabitants of Radley’s Biology Department “zoo”, and even trying their hand at air rifle shooting, it was a day full of curiosity, challenge and discovery. The children represented Mowden impeccably throughout, asking thoughtful questions, engaging enthusiastically and showing real maturity.
The following day brought a shift from countryside to coastline, with a fascinating visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Exploring HMS Victory, learning about Lord Nelson and stepping into the world of naval history brought classroom learning vividly to life, while the Mary Rose Museum offered a remarkable insight into Tudor England. What stood out most was how genuinely engaged the children were throughout the day – asking questions, absorbing information and showing a real appetite for learning.
The residential also highlighted the extraordinary opportunities that collaboration within the Radley Schools Group can create. A warm welcome from West Hill Park saw our pupils enjoy life in the boarding house, integrating with other children, swimming together and experiencing another school community first-hand. This spirit of partnership continued at Barfield Prep School’s outstanding Three Peaks adventure centre, where the children tackled high ropes, low ropes, quad biking, laser tag and a series of team-building challenges. These experiences pushed many children well beyond their comfort zones, requiring resilience, courage, trust and cooperation in abundance.
The week concluded with a brilliant watersports day, where kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing provided a fittingly energetic finale. Even with changing weather, the children approached every challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
Above all, this was a week that developed exactly the qualities we seek to nurture in a Mowden education: independence, resilience, curiosity, teamwork and confidence. Most importantly, it was enormous fun. The children were exceptional ambassadors for the school throughout, and we are hugely grateful to the staff, our Radley Schools Group partners and all those who helped make such a memorable week possible.
mowdenhall.org.uk