End-of-term rollercoaster for Hunstanton students

The last days of term were a rollercoaster ride for students at a Hunstanton school, who celebrated the end of the school year in knuckle-whitening style.

Smithdon High School’s fourth annual Rewards Trip saw select groups from Years 8 and 9 invited to spend the day at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, in recognition of their ‘positive all-round approach to school’.

Two parties of 80 students travelled over consecutive days to the popular amusement park, where they spent five hours exploring the many different rides and attractions. 

“The brave tried the looping coaster called Wipeout,” said Steve Chapman, Assistant Headteacher at Smithdon, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. “Other popular rides were the log flume, Egg Coaster, and Marble Madness.

“Some students enjoyed the sea lion show, while others took the opportunity to enjoy the food on offer around the park.”

The Year 8 trip took place on Wednesday 17 July, with the students accompanied by Mr Chapman, along with Head of Maths Sheena Evans, Learning Support Assistant Michelle Victoria, English Teacher Charlotte Mortoza Cowles, and French Teacher Melanie Collard.

On the following day, Deputy Headteacher Sarah Robinson joined the Year 9 group, assisted by Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Emma Fysh, Learning Support Assistant Lauren Thrower, Head of History Andrew Corder, Head of PE Jamie Tilley, and Vanessa Bartosova, who teaches Science at Smithdon.

“It’s a pleasure to organise these trips each year,” continued Mr Chapman. “At Smithdon High School, we like to recognise hard work and allow students to enjoy time together in a different environment before the summer break.”