Lynch Island adventures are back, and this year with an exciting new twist! For the first time, both boys and girls in our co-dependent Year 9 cohort took part in the much-anticipated overnight stay on the College’s very own island on the River Thames.
Known locally as The Lynch, the island lies just a short boat ride from College and provides the perfect setting for this long-standing Shiplake tradition. Each Year 9 House group spends a night on the island as part of their introduction to life at Shiplake - an experience designed to encourage resilience, teamwork, and plenty of camaraderie.
After an introduction from Head of Outdoor Education, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and CCF SSI, Mrs Hanlon, pupils were shown how to build their own shelters before being issued with kit and working in pairs to construct their accommodation for the night. While some shelters proved watertight, others offered starlit ceilings, though we're not sure if this was by accident or design!
Meals were cooked over open fires and by BBQ, and pupils experienced all that outdoor living brings - from teamwork in gathering supplies to the simple reward of eating together after a long day.
Reflecting on the adventure, Mrs Hanlon said:
'The Lynch Island experience gives our Year 9 pupils a real opportunity to step away from the familiar and face new challenges together. Equipped with only the basics, they quickly discover the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and resilience. For many, it’s their first time sleeping under the stars – and it’s an experience they won’t forget.'
All Year 9 Houses took part in the week-long programme, with the exception of Skipwith, whose turn was postponed due to poor weather. Thank you to Mrs Hanlon for organising, and to all the members of staff who spent a night on the island. Make sure you check out the gallery below containing pictures from the week, as well as the short video reel on the College’s Instagram page.
