Y4 Chill Factore Trip

Lesson: Science

Class: Year 4 Year: 2017 - 2018

On Wednesday 12th July, Y4 had a bizarre morning as they brought their winter wollies to school on a scorching hot day. Our plan for the day was to set off for the Chill Factore in Manchester for some snowy fun!

As soon as we arrived, the excitment started to build as we could see the slopes from the reception area. We quickly got changed and were provided with our snow boots. The staff delivered our safety talk and we headed out onto the slopes to experience the different ways and speeds of travelling down the slopes. 

Firstly we tried the donuts. Some children travelled in a donut for one person and others went in pairs. We discussed why the two person donut travelled slower than the one person and why the one person donut slid higher up the end of the ramp. The children, and staff, really enjoyed this activity and worked well as a team, helping each other pull the donuts up the slope and getting in and out of them (which was a challenge too). 

After the donuts, it was time to try out the different types of sledge. Again, there were sledges for one or two persons. The staff were fantastic suporrting the children and discussing how to make the sledges travel faster and slower down the slopes. Year 4 had lots of fun together and cheered each other on during the sledging races.

After our sledging fun, it was time for a quick snack and refreshments whilst we waited to be kitted up to ski. We were all measured and had specific size boots and skis fitted. Again, we had another safety talk and were supported by lots of the Chill factore staff. They explained how to walk on the snow in our skis and how to use 'banana legs' to side step up the slope. After a couple of pratises, the children could ski down independently and even do a little jump at the end. Excellent listening, effort and determination from all.

Following our ski lesson we were all ready for a well earned rest and lunch. We went up the viewing arena to eat whilst watching the snow boarders and skiers on the mastery slope. Some of the children were certainly inspired to one day be be as competent on the slopes. 

All the pupils and staff thrououghly enjoyed the experience and it was great to see the effort from all. Maybe one day some of the children may join a ski club and become a super skier or snowboarder. I'll watch out for them at furure Winter Olympic competitions.