Easter saw the departure of the annual ski trip to Austria (open to Years 8-11). On Friday 5th March, 50 students and 5 members of staff set off to Zillertal, for the opportunity to experience Austrian culture, learn and improve their skiing ability and further develop their interpersonal skills and maturity whilst spending the week away from home. Throughout the week, students completed six days of skiing in three different ski areas: Zell am Ziller, Kaltenbach and Hochfugen, all providing various challenges for each group. With 6 ski groups, Ski Astons were able to cater for all abilities and many students rapidly progressed and were moved to more challenging groups. Whilst the beginners mastered the art of falling over safely, the advanced skied from resort to resort taking on challenging pistes. The tuition Ski Astons provide is outstanding and not only results in improved skiing but also sees students enjoy themselves in a foreign environment. Libby Chambers (10S) said ‘Everyone was so unbelievably lovely. I had so much fun skiing, and the food was delicious too!’ The busy schedule kept the group occupied for the whole week and saw students go swimming, bowling and tobogganing, compete in the quiz at the Tyrolean evening against other schools and enjoy a disco on the final evening. Simran Patel (11S) said ‘It was the best week ever and I would 100% go back next year.’ It is always a pleasure to take such wonderful students on the ski trip, to see them learn new skills and flourish socially in such a beautiful environment - it is a real privilege for us as staff. The Ski Astons company ensured the smooth running of the trip and we send our thanks to them for their excellent organisation. Final comment goes to Amelia Furley and Eleanor Adam (both in 11C), ‘The STAGS ski trip is by far the most incredible trip we have been lucky enough to go on. It never fails to bring such joy and laughter, to the point that we never want to leave! The Ski Aston’s instructors are always welcoming and joined us for many fantastic evening activities, such as a disco and an Austrian Tyrolean night. All the year groups came together to compete in hilarious challenges and it was a lovely opportunity to make new friends. It is definitely a trip we will miss in the future, and thank you to all the teaching staff - especially Mrs Wheatley, who made the amazing week possible!’

Miss Rose, Deputy Ski Trip Leader

It’s so gratifying that the ski trip is becoming the event that students are planning their time at STAGS around, Miss Rose and I have lost track of how many year 7’s have asked us ‘when am I allowed to go on the ski trip?’ A love of outdoor and adventurous activity is life enhancing and this trip is so much more that an unforgettable time spent with friends. It is a place for these students to find bravery, empathy, fear, failure and pride. Skiing can be a really difficult skill to master, it is exhausting and the first three days of anyone’s skiing career can be challenging and somewhat demoralising but the next three days are predominantly full of mastery and fun. Thank you goes from me to the rest of the staff who make this trip happen, notably Mrs Tate and Mrs Greatrex who do all the paperwork, the whole finance team who keep on top of the payments, Mrs Chapman who supports us being able to do this every year and of course, Miss Rose, Mrs Blackburn, Mrs Stevenson and Miss Hewitt who give up their time to support me throughout the year and give up their time to come on the trip. Next year we anticipate there being another trip, it will be in the first week of the Easter holidays and letters will be coming out soon.

Mrs Wheatley, Ski Trip Leader