St Ives students make overseas skiing trip for first time in two years

This February half term saw the first overseas trip for St Ivo students since lockdown began.

Twenty St Ivo students in years 10 to 13 finally made it to Crans-Montana in Switzerland, which was originally scheduled for the Italian dolomites.

However, when Italy changed its Covid restrictions, the school’s staff were not going to let that stop them, so the trip switched to Austria. But, again, thwarted by Austrian restrictions, it was changed to Gstaad and then finally to Crans-Montana just a few weeks before the visit.

Not only was the destination affected by Covid but, when French travel restrictions made passing through France unlikely, they switched last minute from coach to air travel.

The February half term trip saw a group of predominantly beginner skiers make great progress during the week.

Kiera Wood, year 11 who went on the February trip, said: “I was really looking forward to the trip but was nervous to start with. I found I had to stay resilient whilst picking up the basics but, by the end, I was having such a good time.

"Once you know what you're doing, skiing is such great fun. There were also lots of laughs with everyone learning together.”

James Wood, year 8, who is going on a trip at Easter, said: “I'm so looking forward to going skiing at Easter. Kiera has said how much she enjoyed the trip and talked me through the ski lessons, accommodation, food and what I need. She said skiing will sometimes be cold, but to relax and enjoy the experience.”

St Ivo students showed resilience during days of heavy snow and rain, and developed all important life skills, like teamwork and mutual support for each other.

Not to be put off by hard work, St Ivo school staff have arranged for 50 students in years 8 and 9 to go to Crans-Montana during the Easter holidays. Giving them all the opportunity that so many young people sadly missed out on over the last two years.

Sam Griffin, principal at St Ivo Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, said: “At St Ivo, we know that learning goes way beyond the classroom and want all of our students to develop new skills and friendships through the range of additional activities and visits we offer.

"During the pandemic, it has been disappointing not to be able to offer our students the wider opportunities that they deserve.

“That’s why I am delighted that our students have been able to get to Switzerland, with more going at Easter, despite the challenges faced by our committed staff to get them there.

"I hope that no other students have to miss out, and we will do all we can to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

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Submitted for publication in the Cambridge News. The Cambridge News covers areas including, but not limited to, Ely, Newmarket, Haverhill and the City of Cambridge in Cambridgeshire. Tell us your stories by emailing us at: scommunities@reachplc.com