It is pitch black and all is quiet around Castlewellan lake until the strains of ”let me see your funky chicken“ can be heard breaking through the night. The Year 8 pupils from Belfast Model School for Girls were letting the neighbours know that they were there, singing on their torch-walk around the lake. And the Girls‘ Model girls had indeed arrived and were there for a week and a half staying in Castlewellan Castle.

Different classes came down everyday and took part in a range activities from trying to find their way out of one of the biggest mazes in Europe to participating in team-games like giant word puzzles and obstacle courses. Each evening we had a film night after we visited the ice-cream parlour for a delicious Maud‘s ice-cream.

The girls got to know each other and their teachers much better during the residential and it was so nice for them to see each other in a more relaxed setting. Mrs Clarke and I were delighted with the behaviour of the girls and they did the school proud, even receiving comments from the local shopkeepers about their good behaviour. I had the privilege of being with all the classes and I had a lovely time - in fact I would be prepared to go back tomorrow - anyone want to come with me?

I‘m really looking forward to next year but those new Year 8 girls will have a hard act to follow to be as good as this year‘s girls. Well done girls and thank you to each of the form tutors who came down to help out. It wouldn‘t have been as much fun without you!