Reaching the summit

Mr Goddard reports on a memorable expedition to Italy 

During the final week of the Autumn Term, fifty pupils and seven members of staff from Claremont High School took part in an exciting ski trip to Sestriere in Italy. For many students this was a completely new experience, with thirty of them never having skied before. Thanks to great instruction and good weather conditions, everyone made fantastic progress throughout the week. 

The snow in Sestriere was excellent, allowing pupils to enjoy a wide range of slopes and build their confidence and skills each day. All students behaved impeccably throughout the trip and represented the school superbly. They demonstrated a terrific attitude, while also having lots of fun, both on and off the slopes. 

Both novices and old hands had a great time. 

‘It was my first time skiing,’ explains Pui Yin Lam in Year 9. ‘I enjoyed the lessons and the evening activities the most. I think the most challenging thing was going down a hard slope for the first time, or trying out a new technique.’ 

‘This wasn’t my first time skiing,’ says Tejas Sodha in Year 12, ‘I’ve been a couple of times in the past. I most enjoyed the company throughout the trip, how it brought me closer to people. For me, the most challenging thing was making the most of every moment and turning them into such great memories.’ 

The trip was a terrific experience for all the pupils, not only developing their sporting abilities but also exposing them to a different culture. Overall, it was a memorable and highly successful expedition. 

I’d like to thank Ms Cairns, Ms B Patel, Ms Daniels, Mr Makanji and Mr Sewell for accompanying the pupils and ensuring everyone had a fantastic time. I’d also like to thank parents and carers for giving their children this opportunity and continuing to support trips such as this. And finally, we’d all like to congratulate the students for making such impressive progress and for being a real credit to the school.