Raft building on the River Hamble

                           

                              Could you build a raft to survive on the river??

The 3GR and 3DRB boys were put to the test this term thanks to the QE2 Activity Centre. We took part in two separate sessions, where each class split into two teams and independently built their own rafts, with a staff member on hand to assist where needed.

The boys showed fantastic teamwork and problem-solving skills as they worked together to design, tie, and test their rafts. There were plenty of laughs (and a few splashes!) as they discovered which designs were the most successful — and which ones might need a little more fine-tuning next time. It was brilliant to see everyone getting involved, supporting one another, and showing real resilience out on the water.

The pupils were given three barrels, four lengths of log, and a handful of rope — then let loose to build their own rafts! The challenge: to race each other to the end of the jetty and back, with the whole team on board… and hopefully without sinking!

This task demanded real teamwork — listening to each other’s ideas, identifying individual strengths, and finding their roles within the group. Whether it was coming up with designs, tying knots, or handling the heavy lifting, everyone had a part to play.

Once happy with their finished rafts, and after putting them through a vigorous test (tugging the ropes and kicking the barrels) the boys got into the water and boarded their vessels.

Out of the four rafts in total, one just about limped over the finish line in separately floating pieces, and another completely capsized early on. This, however, didn’t put the boys who were no longer on board off. After a bit of screaming and flapping from the shock of the cold water — which really did take their breath away — they swam back to their rafts and decided to board the other team’s vessel!

The boys showed incredible resilience, conquering fears as they stepped so far out of their comfort zones. As a reward, once everything had been untied and packed away, they were given free time at the end of the session to jump off the jetty into the water — which they absolutely loved! They quickly swam back, eager to see how many jumps and flips they could manage.

Thanks to Kerry and the team down at QE2 for allowing us to have these experiences, they're always a hit!

These sessions reminded us that stepping out of your comfort zone can be challenging, exciting, and utterly rewarding — well done to all the boys!