What do you get when you mix sunshine, water slides, and 85 excited Year 7s? An unforgettable day out at Splashdown Waterpark, of course!

On Friday 18 July, Year 7 swapped classrooms for chlorine as they headed off on their much-anticipated end-of-year adventure to Poole. The energy was high from the moment the coaches rolled out of Carisbrooke: think snacks, singing, and about 27 games of “Would You Rather?”

After a smooth ferry crossing and a short coach ride, we arrived at Splashdown, the ultimate watery wonderland! With adrenaline-fuelled flumes like the Screamer, the spiralling Black Thunder, and the super-fast Baron’s Revenge, it wasn’t long before students (and a few brave staff members!) were flying down slides with huge grins and even bigger splashes.

Some students became instant experts at mastering the Infinity slide’s twists and turns, while others took a more chilled-out route, bobbing along in the lazy river or enjoying a well-earned snack in the sunshine. One group even challenged themselves to ride every single slide and they did it!

There were plenty of laughs, soggy towels, and only one lost flip-flop (which was heroically rescued by a lifeguard). Staff were incredibly proud of how responsible, polite, and enthusiastic Year 7 were throughout the day and more than one member of the public commented on what a credit they were to the school.

After drying off and piling back on the coach, it was time to head home. The journey back was a little quieter, partly because of tired legs, and partly because several students were happily snoozing.

Students were quoted as:

“That was the BEST day ever!”

“I went on a slide I was scared of and now I want to go again!”

“Can we go back next week?”

A massive thank you to all the staff (Mrs Lythgoe, Mrs McDowall, Miss DIvers, Miss Cooke and Mr Phillips) who made the day possible and ensured the students not only had a great time, but also made it through traffic delays and delayed ferries whilst maintaining a smile on their face.  Finally, to Year 7 for making it such a brilliant trip. It was the perfect way to celebrate an amazing year and here’s to even more adventures in Year 8!

Go Team Carisbrooke!