The past few days at Canford have been full of variety, excitement, and a brilliant sense of togetherness. From the buzz of London’s landmarks to volcano eruptions in the classroom and evening fun at the waterpark, the students have had the chance to explore, create, and connect.
Even with a bit of classic British drizzle at the start of the week, the atmosphere on campus has remained upbeat. Students have settled into their routines and the occasional rainy morning has only added to the excitement when the sun returns. Thankfully, it’s stayed pleasantly mild—warm without being too hot, which many of the students have appreciated.
Tuesday brought one of the most eagerly anticipated excursions of the course: a day trip to London. After a quiet, slightly sleepy bus ride into the city, the energy picked up as soon as the students caught their first glimpse of the skyline. For many, this was their first visit to the capital, and it showed—there was real excitement as they boarded the London Eye, taking in sweeping views across the city. After that, they walked to Leicester Square where they had two hours in small groups to explore, shop, or grab a bite to eat. The independence and freedom to wander (within set boundaries) gave them a real sense of confidence. The day finished with a celebratory dinner at Pizza Express, where the entire basement had been booked out. Everyone tucked into Margherita pizzas followed by cake and ice cream—bringing the day to a satisfying close.
Back on campus, the academic programme has continued to support students’ creativity and critical thinking. In art classes, students have been exploring abstract portraiture, sculpting with clay, and designing papier-mâché animals. These sessions allow them to work with new materials and techniques, often leading to shared laughter and lots of messy hands.
While there were no formal classes on Tuesday due to the London trip, the following day saw everyone back in their learning zones. One hands-on highlight earlier in the week was a volcano-making session where students used cardboard, paint, glue, and Coca-Cola bottles to build erupting models. With the addition of Mentos for that iconic fizzing eruption, the room was full of cheers and excitement.
Wellbeing and social activities have been woven throughout the week, giving students opportunities to unwind and spend time with peers outside of class. There have been games of badminton and football, arts and crafts sessions including bracelet-making, and some quieter creative corners. One fun and relaxed evening saw everyone gather for a movie night, watching Rio together with snacks in hand—just the thing after a busy day.
Wednesday evening saw one of the standout social highlights of the week so far: a private visit to Splashdown Waterpark. The entire venue had been rented out for SBC students, creating a safe and fun environment for everyone to enjoy. For those who preferred a different kind of evening, there was also an option to visit the neighbouring bowling alley. The excitement around campus ahead of the event was palpable, with many students saying it was one of the activities they’d most been looking forward to.
All in all, it’s been a full and fulfilling few days here at Canford. The balance between structured learning, hands-on activities, and memorable excursions has kept the students engaged, energised, and smiling. Whether they were creating abstract art, experiencing London for the first time, or laughing with friends down a waterslide, the students have continued to build confidence and form meaningful connections. The atmosphere on campus remains lively and welcoming, and we’re looking forward to everything still to come.