Over 60 Performing Arts students in the Senior School and Sixth Form recently had the opportunity to take part in a weekend residential trip to Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk. As well as time to take part in rehearsals and workshops, there were plenty of fun games and activities throughout the stay, including dodgeball, buggy building, high ropes and a campfire evening.

Year 13 students Alex and Rose, who are both now in their final year at Norwich High Sixth Form, share their trip diaries here:

As we bustled into Eaton Grove Hall, hearts beating with excitement, we introduced ourselves to the group and began handing out people’s luggage to load onto the bus. Some people were less eager to own up to their massive bags but we powered through and soon the coach was loaded and seatbelts locked in ready for the journey ahead. There was a palpable sense of excitement spreading down the coach and soon we were off. Bawdsey Manor here we come!

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Winnie the Pooh and a Pegasus (aka Jack and Tobyn, our PGL leaders). We heaved our bags up the stairs and into our rooms and were glad to be greeted by the all too familiar bunk beds and Victorian dusty smell. After a brief unpacking session, we headed down to dinner where we tucked into some Chicken Meatballs, Ziggy Fries and a rather interesting cookie. Dinner was a hearty success and left us buzzing for the evening activities.

We started with some team building activities led by Mr Hall and Mrs Rea-Gardner. A personal favourite was the Elephant, Palm Tree, Jellyfish game and a core memory will always be Mr Hall, Mrs Stephen and Elizabeth performing the Jellyfish to an eager crowd.

We headed back to our rooms where we wrapped up warm, ready for the campfire. We were greeted by Jack and Tobyn and plenty of stories were shared and marshmallows toasted. All in all everyone was happy and bubbling for a great PGL.

As we went back to the rooms we tucked into a hearty bout of snacks before the Sixth Formers patrolled round to the Year 7 rooms to check all were well. We settled in for the night, our hearts happy with our first day of PGL, and looking forward to the next.

Day 2 started with a rather early morning for Bella and Elizabeth (Year 13) who decided to balance out the sugar consumed the night before with a brisk 5k across the grounds. On the contrary, the majority were still in bed, with Alex and Rose enjoying a later morning with a 7:20 wake up in time for a 7:30 brekkie. We tucked into a range of meats, including bacon and sausage, whilst some opted for a rather healthier option of porridge, yogurt and fruit. The Year 7s were dismayed to find out that they didn’t have free range of the hot drinks machine, however Mr Hall arrived to save the day, providing them with all the caffeine they desired – manning the restricted hot water button.

After a scrumptious breakfast we piled into the badminton hall, eager to warm up our voices and get into the festive spirit by blasting some carols. The first half included a few bangers such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Once in Royal and Ding Dong Merrily. Due to our hard work we were set free on a break. Here, Rose, Elizabeth and Alex practiced the whirr; an impressive gymnastics routine which was showcased to all. 

After the break, we returned to the badminton hall and blasted our favourite banger: O Holy Night. Much to everyone’s disappointment, a portomento was not allowed, however some managed to sneak one in much to Mr Hall’s disapproval. On the whole the rehearsal flew by and we headed to lunch to tuck into some chicken fajita flatbreads. 

After lunch, we had some time, which we used wisely to practice the whirr and play with the moonball by dropping it from different levels in the manor. We also had time to visit the tuck shop where we invested in millions, friendship bracelets and an abundance of other types of sugar. 

As lunch time finished, it meant the time for activities began. Our group started off with buggy building led by Meg, who filled our cup with her memories of Australia and bonding over the Norris Nuts. Our buggy was a success and we managed to do several round trips. We rotated between the roles of horse and rider and it is safe to say we all had a blast. 

The next activity was Jacobs ladder and Alex and Rose pioneered the way going first. They weren’t afraid to use the rope (otherwise known as Marc, named by Tobyn) to haul themselves to the top. Once back on land, Alex and Rose used their voices to instruct others how to best use Marc as a whip in order to also reach the top. 

After the thrill of climbing Jacob’s ladder, we were all ravenous and eager for dinner. Whilst in the queue, Rose, Alex, Elizabeth and Bella tried a group press up in a square formation, under the watchful eye of ex-royal marine Mr Hall. 

Upon arriving at the dining hall we were greeted by the aroma of the infamous chicken chunks, we tucked in for a bite and there were mixed reviews all round. After dinner, we headed back to the room, cracked open the kilo bag of fizzy sweets, indulged in a carrot and further played with the moon ball. 

Soon, time for evening activities arrived and we were all pleased to see that Tobyn and Jack had laid on a variety of games and activities. Some heated battles commenced, especially on the rock, paper, scissors game and soon it was time for the final event: Dodgeball. We were pleased to see that Mr Wistow, dodgeball ninja, was on our team, however he was quick to take a fall and was forced to retire early, only to return as a mufasa-like character keen to pass on his knowledge to the slightly disheartened team. 

The evening flew by, however there was a slight palaver as Rose managed to lose her phone and a search and rescue party had to be sent out. Luckily the phone turned up and Mr Hall had to stand down the PGL troops that were sent out to find it. 

Alex and Rose then decided that it was finally time to start on their rebellious streak with only one year left of school, and snuck into the empty leaders room next door to use their piping hot shower. This left them in high spirits, ready for a spa night organised by Bella. 

We indulged in some face masks and a gel nail bar. There was some slight scepticism about the UV light penetrating through our skin, however we powered through and were left looking young and rejuvenated for the day ahead. So far it has been a great PGL, and we all hoped the next day would be just the same, if not better. 

The morning came too soon, and as we headed down to brekkie a sombre feeling was in the air as we knew our last day at PGL had arrived. 

After indulging in an English breakfast and some warm luscious porridge we headed back to our room to pack up. The gnashers and hair were brushed for a final time in the luxury palace of the leaders room and the beds were stripped ready for some lucky new arrivals. 

We headed down for a final rehearsal, blasting out even more bangers and fine tuning any errors we came across. In our break we enjoyed a masterclass led by Eleanor Waller, who taught us how to Jive and do the Waltz: (Strictly here we come!) 

Soon it was time for lunch where we devoured another hunk of chicken – they sure did use the whole bird. Lunch was further boosted by a flash mob of Jack and Tobyn as dinosaurs – accompanied by the Jurassic Park Theme, and cackles were heard all round. 

Our time at PGL was coming to an end but not before the well known coastal walk where we learnt about the history of sealand and Alex enjoyed a tasty snack of a fig from the tree. A highlight for the history buffs was seeing the billiards table which Winston Churchill once ripped. 

We walked down towards the front of the manor where we posed for some photos and said our final goodbyes. Tears were brewing but we held it together and packed up the coach ready to depart. We said goodbye to Jack and Tobyn who had supported us through thick and thin, and departed from Bawdsey manor.