Primary 7 Barcaple Residential – Day Two Highlights 
Day Two at Barcaple has been nothing short of fantastic! From the early morning wake-up to a peaceful evening by the bonfire, our Primary 7s have thrown themselves into every challenge, showing resilience, teamwork, and determination.
The day began bright and early, with everyone up at 7:45am and heading to breakfast at 8:15am. With options of bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, beans, toast, cereals, and juice, the children made sure to fuel up for the busy day ahead.
The morning session saw our groups split for their activities. The girls faced their fears at the abseiling course, climbing a tall tree, crossing a bridge, and making the descent—not just once, but multiple times! They absolutely smashed it, supporting each other and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Meanwhile, the boys took on the climbing wall, where they learned traversing techniques, climbed higher than they thought they could, and even tried a small abseil back down.
Afterwards, the groups switched. The girls worked on team challenges, where they had to solve problems, navigate obstacles, and communicate effectively—all while using some very creative strategies! At one point, they resorted to baa-ing and moo-ing instead of talking to crack a tricky pattern puzzle, which led to plenty of giggles. The boys took on orienteering, racing in teams to find as many locations as possible. After a competitive challenge, Carter & Harry took first place, followed by Thorin & Kamil in second, and Ry & Arran in third. Well done to all! 
Lunch was a well-earned break, with a selection of rolls, crisps, chocolate, and juice—a great chance to refuel before another action-packed afternoon.
The afternoon was all about teamwork and problem-solving. The girls spent the whole session tackling a challenge course that involved transporting three very special items—Jimmy the Egg 
, John the Bucket of Water 
, and some essential piping—across a muddy, obstacle-filled forest course. They had to work as a team, strategise, and make sure Jimmy didn’t crack and John didn’t spill! It was chaotic, hilarious, and absolutely brilliant! Joanna particularly enjoyed getting videos taken in the tunnels, capturing some great moments. Miss Lisi, however, was very disappointed that her phone ran out of battery halfway through, missing many more hilarious photo and video opportunities!
The boys, meanwhile, took on abseiling and additional team challenges. The abseil was no small feat, but every single boy showed bravery by giving it a go, with a special mention to Thorin and Ry, who both successfully completed the full abseil! The boys also took on extra problem-solving puzzles, where they worked brilliantly together, even taking on more challenges than the girls did earlier in the day.
After a busy afternoon, it was time to freshen up and get ready for dinner. Tonight’s choices included breaded chicken with wedges or chickpea curry with rice, with carrots and parsnips on the side. The highlight, of course, was jelly and ice cream for dessert! 
The children made sure to fill up before heading into the evening session.
After dinner, it was time for Explore, an evening of games and reflection. Tonight, it was Thorin’s turn to take on a challenge against another school—this time, building towers out of cans and paper. He won! 
There was great support from both St. Joseph’s and Portpatrick, showing real team spirit.
The perfect end to the day came with a bonfire under the stars. All the schools gathered together to play games, sing songs, and enjoy blondie cake with juice. The sky was clear and filled with stars, making it a truly special evening for everyone.
With lights out at 10pm, the children are settling in for a well-earned rest, ready for another exciting day ahead! 
UNCRC Rights Covered:
Article 15: Right to meet with friends and join groups and clubs (working together in teams, playing games, and spending time with pupils from other schools).
Article 29: Right to education that develops talents and abilities (challenging activities like climbing, abseiling, orienteering, and teamwork challenges).
Article 31: Right to rest, play, and leisure (free time, bonfire, and evening games).
Article 12: Right to express views and be listened to (reflection sessions during Explore and teamwork discussions).
Article 24: Right to good health and well-being (engaging in physical activities and outdoor learning).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked:
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being (physical activities promoting resilience, teamwork, and mental well-being).
Goal 4: Quality Education (learning new skills, pushing limits, and engaging in problem-solving).
Goal 5: Gender Equality (equal opportunities for boys and girls to take on adventurous challenges).- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities (teamwork and inclusion across different schools and activities).
- Goal 15: Life on Land (outdoor learning and navigating nature during orienteering and forest activities).
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals (collaboration between St. Joseph’s and Portpatrick, building friendships and teamwork).
Meta-Skills (from the 12):
Self-Management:
Focusing (staying engaged during climbing, orienteering, and problem-solving tasks).- Integrity (supporting teammates, showing fairness, and encouraging one another).
Adapting (adjusting to new challenges like abseiling and strategy-based teamwork tasks).- Initiative (taking an active role in problem-solving and leading discussions).
Social Intelligence:
Communicating (working together to solve puzzles, navigate the forest, and support teammates).
Feeling (showing encouragement, particularly during challenges like abseiling and the bonfire reflection).
Collaborating (teamwork in problem-solving challenges, carrying out the challenge course, and playing group games).- Leading (taking charge in activities such as orienteering, building towers, and guiding teammates through obstacles).
Innovation:
Curiosity (exploring the outdoors and approaching new activities with an open mind).
Creativity (using problem-solving skills to complete team challenges and strategy-based activities).
Sense-Making (reflecting on learning experiences and applying teamwork skills to succeed in challenges).
Critical Thinking (strategising in orienteering, problem-solving, and engineering the best structures during tower-building).
SHANARRI Indicators:
Safe: (Supervised activities with clear safety measures, especially for climbing and abseiling).
Healthy: (Active participation in physical challenges promoting fitness and confidence).- Achieving: (Overcoming fears, pushing limits, and succeeding in difficult challenges).
Nurtured: (A supportive and inclusive environment during reflection sessions and teamwork activities).- Active: (Engaging in outdoor pursuits, strategy games, and problem-solving challenges).
Respected: (Opportunities to contribute ideas, express views, and make decisions during activities).
Responsible: (Taking ownership of teamwork, safety, and supporting others).- Included: (Building a strong partnership between St. Joseph’s and Portpatrick, ensuring everyone feels valued and part of the team).
Strands of Faith:
Revealed Truth of God: (Through reflection during Explore, pupils considered lessons about courage, trust, and resilience).
Mystery of God: (Experiencing the beauty of nature during outdoor challenges and reflecting on God’s presence in creation).- In the Image of God: (Through teamwork and inclusion, pupils recognised the value of each person and the importance of kindness).
