With over 30 thrilling rides, attractions and live events, THORPE PARK is an island like no other and the perfect destination for our end of Year ten reward.

Despite a small delayed start and the usual traffic, we made good time and arrived at our destination with several hours to enjoy the park to its fullest.

As canny as the Y10s are, they had already downloaded the park's App and were clued up on the queueing times for the best of the thrill seeking rides. Once in the park the 10s were 'like bees in a hive" buzzing around with excitement and purpose.

Staff too had come prepared with their agenda of rides and their preparations had included the purchase of a Fastrack ticket(s) for unlimited Fastrack on a ride of choice. There were plenty to choose from what with Nemesis Inferno, SAW – The Ride, Stealth, The Swarm and Colossus, but the favourite and most recent addition to the park was Hyperia. At 236 feet tall it is the UK's highest rollercoaster, hurtling along the 995 meters of track generating speeds in excess of 80 mph: thankfully this was all enjoyed before lunch! 

Throughout the day students came to share their experiences with staff and it was clear that they were all really enjoying the visit. Tales of 'screamers,' 'scaredy cats,' 'brave warriors' and they occasional 'woo's' were shared along with giggles and smiles. 

Despite the heat - 31 degrees! - the majority of students had hydrated and protected themselves against the relentless rays, with sun cream, hats and hand held fans. Add to this a mountain of ice-cream, a reservoir of slushies and gallons of water, the only complaint was the prices they had to pay to stay cool.

All in all the day was an immense success and one that I am sure that will be part of the memories the Year 10s take with them as part of their time at GBHS.

Thanks to all the school staff who participated to make the day such an amazing success, the joy, laughter and smiles were well worth the late arrival back at school! Mrs C Tucker