By Mrs Martin (Head of Year 5)

There are moments in the school year that remind us why experiences beyond the classroom matter so deeply. Our Easter Ski Trip to Folgarida, set in the Dolomites, was one of those moments.

Surrounded by towering peaks and clear blue skies, the setting invited challenge and adventure. Yet what unfolded over the week went well beyond skiing. It became an experience of growth, resilience and connection.

From the very first morning, the girls embraced the challenge. For some, it was their first time on skis; tentative steps soon became confident turns. For others, it was about refining technique, pushing themselves further, and supporting their peers along the way. Across all ability levels, what stood out was their determination to keep going, even when it felt difficult.

What mattered just as much happened beyond the slopes.

Living together and navigating new routines, the girls showed real maturity. Inter-year relationships flourished, with older students supporting younger ones. Our Year 11 students, in particular, brought a real sense of fun, most notably on the slopes at lunchtime, where their now-anticipated dances became a highlight of the day.

Moments destined for trip folklore included the Year 8 flashmob, confident backward skiing that sent others reeling, and black-run triumphs. 

Trips like this also highlight the importance of responsibility. The girls represented the school with pride, showing respect to staff, instructors and each other. They rose to expectations and, in doing so, demonstrated just how capable they are. As staff, it is always a privilege to be part of these experiences. We returned not just with improved skiing skills, but with stronger friendships, greater independence, and a shared sense of achievement.

And perhaps that is the real success of the Folgarida Ski Trip, an experience that will stay with the girls long after the snow has melted.

It is a privilege to lead this trip each year, and with that in mind, watch this space for next year's offering.

View photos from the trip here.