Junior Boys' Boarding Blog – 13 November

Two weeks away and we return to what feels like a very different Cornwall – winds are blowing, trees are bare and boarders are wrapped up for their daily pilgrimage up to school. We hope the boys have had a restive and enjoyable half term and, for those who have made it home, have enjoyed time spent with families and friends.

Our first week back has certainly been a busy one, culminating in our annual remembrance service on Friday morning, commemorating the lives and service of those who died in the First World War and all conflicts since. This is always particularly poignant for Truro School as we had a number of our pupils go off to fight in both World Wars without returning. The boys have passed the display representing all of our fallen pupils every day since and have often stopped to contemplate and reflect on what it might mean to them.

Our weekend has largely been a calm one, with a few exceptions for individuals. Cam went away on Saturday in very blustery and cold conditions to train for the Ten Tors outdoor expedition, walking in the Portreath area, abandoning the original route due to high winds. He came back extremely tired and cold and, after a warm shower, rather struggled to move for the remainder of the weekend. Meanwhile, Constantin and Ben travelled up to Exeter to play away fixtures with their respective school rugby teams. They both won their games, again in tough conditions.

Whilst these boys were battling with the elements, the remaining few walked up to our own DT workshop to take part in a Ceramics workshop with Truro School teacher and expert potter Mrs Joines, along with the junior girls from Pentreve House. Mrs Joines demonstrated a number of ceramics techniques to us which we then put into practice on our own mugs. I was hugely impressed at the originality of ideas and detailed execution of designs from our boys and girls and very much look forward to seeing the final products once Mrs Joines has taken the clay pot homes to fire them (twice, I’m told). The boys seemed to particularly enjoy the technique for creating a handle (I shall allow them to describe it to you!). These should hopefully be ready to take home as presents for Christmas.

Due to our activity happening on the Saturday, our Sunday remained quiet. Some boys went into town to buy various things; others stayed in and enjoyed using the games room.

I hate to say it but, with all these decorations and gifts being made, it’s beginning to look a bit like Christmas.

All best wishes,

Mr Thomson