On Wednesday 27^th June, Abbey Students and staff had a chance to unwind and make the annual trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park and Zoo.

After a long term, the excitement of having a fun day away from college showed, as students enthusiastically arrived at college where they waited eagerly for the coach to collect them at 9am.

Once arriving at the theme park, students keenly approached the 'big rides', although the bravado of some students diminished when they started queuing for the Oblivion!

After much encouragement, students, Head of Upper Sixth, Shahzad Hussain and Head of ICT, Vanessa Patel, managed to persuade a reluctant (scared) Teacher of Sport, Thalat Mahmood (Mr 'T') to join in on the fun and share the experience of riding on the 'G' Force with them.

For the first time ever, Mr 'T's calm persona soon disappeared and nerves ('not like the nerves before a match ') soon set in, as he was overheard asking the attendant  on numerous occasions in a 'firm' but polite tone "please check that my safety harness is secure before this ride starts, please".  Students and staff could not hide their roaring 'fits' of laughter as a blushing Mr 'T' braced himself for what would be his first and last ride ever! The ride was great fun and a thrilling experience was had, accept for Mr 'T' where it proved to be too much as he got off the ride in haste mumbling "never again, I have to sit down".

The students managed to hit all the 'big rides' some even twice! Towards the end of the day, many of the students played on the stalls with an aim to win prizes!  Dave Dulay won a huge teddy, which he kindly donated to Vanessa by throwing three balls into a bucket (after many attempts) and Thalat won a huge Tigger bear!

The day was a success, and the weather was kind, which made the day even more enjoyable for both students and teachers.