Sixth Formers throw themselves into Year 12 camp
9th October 25
Incoming Sixth Form students at The King Alfred School began the academic year with our annual Year 12 camp, designed to foster friendships, community, and a strong sense of belonging – all core KAS values.
The two-night trip gave students – both new arrivals and those joining from our Upper School – the chance to bond early in their Sixth Form journey.
Students embraced an exciting schedule of outdoor activities at the Essex Outdoors activity centre on the River Blackwater Estuary, including crabbing, sailing, powerkiting and high-rope courses. With phones firmly put away, the absence of digital distractions encouraged meaningful interaction and deeper connections.
“The activities were really fun, and surprisingly, I didn’t miss my phone,” shared student Noam S. “Being unplugged made it easier to be present and enjoy the moment.”
“It was a brilliant opportunity for the whole year group to spend time together,” said our Director of Sixth Form, Eleanor Mitchell-Webb. “We gave the students lots of and they really made the most of it.”
One of the highlights came on the second night, when staff arranged for an ice cream van to make a surprise visit. “That prompted real child-like joy,” Eleanor shared. “Seeing everyone with their ice creams, laughing and chatting – it was a simple moment that symbolised the whole point of the trip.”
“Overall, Year 12 camp was an incredible experience,” said Noam. “It helped shape new friendships and brought our year group closer together as a community.”
Our latest cohort of Year 12s will have plenty more opportunities to deepen their newly forged bonds during their Sixth Form career – from enjoying conversations in our bright, cheerful common room to embracing our extensive co-curricular offer.
See more pictures from this year’s Year 12 Camp below…
