Enthusiastic UII (Year 4) and LIII (Year 5) girls had an enjoyable day at Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre in Harefield on Friday 20 March. It was a day that tested their ability to work together as a team as they completed a number problem solving challenges and had an introduction to sailing on the lake. Luckily the weather was perfect for being outside; sunny, warm, with a little breeze.

In the morning session LIII (Year 5) completed various team building activities. In the first one the girls were required to work in two teams to co-ordinate their movements so they could move the two wooden planks they were standing on. The instructor had them racing, with a new challenge added each time.

They then moved into the wood to tackle two problem solving tasks, web and swamp. The web activity involved getting the whole team through different parts of the web. It was interesting to watch the group dynamics as to be successful in this task required the girls to think of the group as a whole rather than themselves as individuals.

The girls then made short work of the swamp task which involved moving the group between islands with only 3 planks. Finally they put on blackout goggles and followed each other into the wood to complete an obstacle course.

During the same session UII (Year 4) were trying their hand at sailing. Kitted out in wet suits and life jackets the girls were shown the basics of sailing with one of the boats on dry land. They then paired up and went to the jetty to prepare their sailing boats before launching out onto the lake. Under the watchful eye of Centre staff, their teachers and the parents who had also gone along to help on the trip, the girls quickly picked up the techniques they had been shown and fortunately there was a light breeze to help them along.

In the afternoon the groups swapped over with UII (Year 4) taking on the challenges and LIII (Year 5) becoming sailors.

Prep teacher, Mrs Rodgers said "We all enjoyed a fantastic day at Hillingdon. The staff at the centre were brilliant and ensured the day was fun, challenging and safe. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the trip and it was clear to see how their confidence grew as took on each new challenge."