St Benet Biscop students hit the Swiss slopes

There was ‘snow time’ like the present, when students at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy in Northumberland swapped school for the Swiss Alps.

Seventy-six intrepid students from Years 10 to 13 enjoyed a week-long ski trip to Davos, where they honed their skills on the slopes, as well as relaxing off-piste with competitions, activities, and even an outdoor swimming pool.

“The trip currently happens every two years, meaning all students at St Benet Biscop have the opportunity to go,” said Assistant Headteacher Louise Banfield.

“This is a great opportunity for students and teachers to build relationships in a different context, and strengthen the ties of being in the St Benet Biscop community. It provides enrichment, giving students the opportunity to try skiing, which many would otherwise not get the chance to, and to experience life in a completely different environment.

“As well as learning to ski, the trip involved quiz night, visits to the local swimming pool, which included an outdoor pool, and time spent in the resort.”

The Alpine adventure was led by Educational Visits Coordinator Dave MacCoy, and saw all the students make impressive progress with their skiing – as well as demonstrating the school’s values.

“The biggest link to the school values is undoubtedly resilience, “ continued Mrs Banfield. “Skiing looks very easy when you see someone good do it, but those first few days are slow, painful, and very, very hard work. But after sticking with it, the majority of students were flying down blue and red runs at the end of the week.

“Self-discipline was also necessary, working hard to listen to instructors and keep going when things were challenging. Skiing is an expensive hobby, and going with school is a more cost-effective way of students learning a skill they can use for life.”

“I had a great time, and lots of fun with friends and teachers,” said Year 10 student Logan. “I also enjoyed doing something that I’ve never done before and would love to do it again. I’ve also created long-time memories that I’ll never forget, and can tell lots of people about how much fun it was.”

“Best week of my life, trying out things I’ve never done before, and enjoying them a lot,” agreed classmate Jacob. “I would 100 per cent do it again.”

“I think events like this are essential for the personal development of students,” added Mrs Banfield. “They give them the chance to experience travel, a different culture, learning a new skill, and, for some, it is a first attempt at being fairly independent away from home.

“Added to the fact that they’ve learnt a new skill, they’ve hopefully developed a love of skiing they may never have otherwise known they had.”