This morning, the children of KS2 walked down to the Parish Church to pay tribute to the three servicemen buried in the churchyard.

The children in Year 6 introduced the activity by reminding us about the First World War and the importance of remembering those that left their families and friends to go and fight on the battlefields of France and Belgium. Many of them were never to return again and are buried near to where they fell overseas. However, there are also over 800 servicemen buried in churchyards in Suffolk: these are the servicemen who came back to Britain but who later died of their wounds.

We then visited the three graves of Private James Rumsby, Private Herbert Vincent and Deckhand John White and learnt more about their lives. Private Rumsby grew up in the Old Workhouse on Chediston Street and joined the Gloucestershire Regiment, whose soldiers were famed for their courage; Herbert Vincent had been a furniture maker and dealer based in the White House on Laxfield Road (a house that his father had built); and John White had been a farm labourer and had married Mary Carter, the daughter of the village postman in 1915.

The children then gathered together again for an Act of Remembrance: Year 6 children read a short prayer and the Ode of Remembrance before listening to the Last Post and sharing a minute’s silence, which the children observed perfectly.

The children of Key Stage 2 had ‘A Day To Remember’ when they visited Norwich Cathedral yesterday. The visit was the culmination of their learning in History – The First World War – and RE – Reconciliation.

The day began with an opportunity to meet Edith Cavell, the Norfolk-born nurse who was shot for nursing soldiers on both sides of the conflict during World War I. We learnt about her life story, and how her faith in God had given her strength following her trial in Belgium.

The children then split into three workshops. The first, called The Cathedral Remembers, was a tour of the Cathedral and Cloisters looking at the symbols and memorials of remembrance. The children were fascinated by the bronze pelican, the crucifixes and the stained-glass windows. The second focused on the theme of ‘Reconciliation’ and the children explored this concept through freeze-frame drama and model-making. The third focused on the life of Edith Cavell and gave the children an opportunity to visit her grave and see the amazing paintings of her life by Brian Whelan. In this workshop, we also looked at the clothes worn by the Bishop and the symbolism of the Bishop’s crook.

The children were fantastic all day: they were polite, engaged and active with their questions and contributions. Several members of the public approached us to comment on their respectful behaviour. So well done all.

Today was our final day (or half day), and we know we’d saved the best until last!  Just as we found we had got used to our morning routine, it was bedrooms tidied and baggage wheeled to the packing area. 

This morning was our climbing day. Climbing requires, above all, co-operation and trust. In fact, it’s so full on, that there is barely time to be taking pictures. So today’s pictures are simply to give you an idea of scale. 

A big well done to everybody for challenging themselves on the climbing wall, with so many of you managing to exceed your own targets. 

On the Power Fan, everybody climbed to the top, and many even stepped off and took the plunge downwards!  

After a(nother) hearty and energising lunch, the sight of our coach waiting to return to Fressingfield was a bittersweet moment. We were all disappointed to be going home, but just a little relieved, as we were somewhat weary from our amazing experience. 

The Year 4 children this year have been awesome in their behaviour, attitude and willingness to try a little bit more. Many thanks to parents/carers who have supported us with organising our trip. And we also want to say thank you to everyone, at school and at Hilltop, who has worked so hard to make this residential so memorable. 

Today was our main day, and has really lived up to our expectations. After a hearty breakfast, we divided into two groups. One group learned bushcraft skills (including how to make a fire) and the other group learned how to use a huge zip wire.  Half way through the morning, we all swapped over.  Well done to everyone with your firelighting skills. One needs to find great kindling before attempting a fire, and so everyone’s eyes were peeled for silver birch. Marshmallows were then roasted by all. 

After a warming lunch of jacket potatoes with cheese and beans, plus birthday cake (yummy), we had our best session yet on the climbing ropes. Fantastic work was seen all round, with children all pushing themselves, Kayden, Caleb, Rio and Eden especially, and great collaborative work from children supporting the climbers. That took 100% concentration!  We are all so proud of Fressingfield children today. They rose to a massive challenge and did us all proud!

Just before tea, we opened the tuck shop. Mrs Tooley and Ms Perry had learned from our last Hilltop visit, and so managed to make this as painless as possible (for the adults). 

We will be celebrating our last evening with a disco, although will keep the ‘quiet room’ open, for anyone who’s not so keen. 

Well, we’ve arrived to find some sunshine, and a very warm welcome from the crew at Hilltop. After eating our packed lunches outside, we then grouped up and either played some very challenging team games or went on the awesome Super Swing, a contraption of wires and pulleys, which would rival any ride at Pleasurewood Hills. Well done to our fearless few, including Reuben, Kayden, Bonnie and Amelia. Fabulous teamwork from Fressingfield too – you’d never have got through the spider maze without that. And who knew that Summer would be so great at directing children through the maze? 

After our delicious dinner of sausages, wedgies and chocolate pudding for afters, we took a visit into the woods. Who needs Hallowe’en when you have your own Enchanted Forest?  Well done to Edward and Hector for sone great team work, and also to Oscar who really got the hang of the woodland game. 

We ‘hit the sack’ at half past eight although, for some of us, it felt like midnight!  Thanks to the amazing Hilltop staff, who are both kind and professional.