Day after day, the gentle mist rises over Norman Court to reveal the limpid sun, turning our woods into a jewel box of burnt copper, fiery gold and emerald green.

Each week I check on the progress of our Saplings.

No sooner had the summer finished than Year 8 left for the holiday beaches of North Devon. Although Luke said of the trip, ‘We're just like one big family here, aren't we?' as we took over a Youth Hostel and all mucked in, we were actually there to investigate the ecology, marine life, environment and settlement of the area around Saunton Sands, Westward Ho! and Braunton Burrows. Periwinkles, limpets and crabs have never been investigated so thoroughly, Cody's first experience of washing up was illuminating and India's fully-clothed surprise surfing skills are to be marveled at. Mrs Prior said, ‘We were like a family, but without the bickering – we all had huge fun and came home with at least a term's worth of research and learning.'

Mr Thompson

Norman Court rocked to African drums.