The 2024-25 academic year has been one to remember for Shiplake College boarders, thanks to a vibrant and varied activities programme led by our dedicated Head of Boarding Activities, Mrs Sally Bayley. Designed to offer fun, friendship, and fulfilment beyond the classroom, the programme has ensured that evenings and weekends have been packed with excitement, exploration and enrichment.
Weekday Evenings Full of Energy and Entertainment
Each evening brought a buzz of activity across the site, with a range of options to suit all interests. Marjorie’s Café, open on Mondays and Wednesdays, was a favourite social spot for hot chocolate, snacks and relaxed conversation with friends. Meanwhile, those looking to get active made full use of the Sports Centre Gym, the Sports Hall or the Astro. Tuesdays also saw the return of the ever-popular "Boathouse Bonanza" at the Davies Centre, featuring archery, climbing, rowing and weights – a highlight for many who enjoy variety and challenge.
As the summer sun arrived, so too did the opening of the outdoor pool, offering the perfect place to cool off and relax. The summer term also saw regular visits from an ice cream van, always met with smiles and queues of eager boarders.
Special Weekday Events
Throughout the year, Mrs Bayley and the boarding team surprised pupils with a series of special midweek events, designed to create standout moments and lasting memories. The events brought together boarders across houses and year groups, helping to foster community spirit and shared experiences in a fun and inclusive environment. These included:
- Nerf Gun Wars
- Live Magic Performance
- Escape and Evade Challenge
- Cheese Tasting Night
- Christmas Party with Karaoke
- Laser Tag
- Gaming ‘Battle’ Bus Experience
- Bubble Football
Weekend Adventures and Cultural Excursions
Weekends were just as exciting, with a wide array of off-site trips tailored to explore, energise and entertain. Highlights from the year included:
- Go-Karting, Paintballing, Trampoline Parks
- Christmas Markets and Ice Skating in Windsor
- Adventure Golf in Henley
- Shopping Trips to The Oracle, Reading
- Cultural days out to Oxford, Greys Court and Cliveden
- Rugby at Twickenham
- A day by the sea in Brighton
- Boat trip on the Thames
- VE Day Celebrations in Henley
- Thrills at Thorpe Park
- Bowling, Axe Throwing, Ceramic Painting
- Local pub and restaurant lunches and dinners
These trips offered pupils a balance of adrenaline, culture, relaxation, and fun – and all were included in the full boarding fees, ensuring accessibility for every full boarder. Each weekend concluded with a heart-warming tradition – a Sunday family roast in the Great Hall. These communal meals brought all full boarders together to reflect on the week, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a home-style meal in the company of the boarding family.
Thank you to Mrs Bayley for her passion for creating a thriving boarding programme of activities, which has offered something for everyone and has helped shape not just great memories, but a deeper sense of community, adventure, and belonging. We are sure that the 2025-26 programme will be just as exciting and memorable!
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Shiplake Shortlisted for TES Awards")
