Old Grammar Trip - December 2010
Snow and ice were not the only things that would excite OG boys as it was the day of the Geography Field Trip. As we stepped on to the coach, the excitement gradually built up, and the whispers of anticipation and delight expanded to become shouts and cheers throughout the coach. Accompanying us were three teachers: Mr. Pike, Miss Robin and Mr. Davies. Like us, they were ready for a fun, educational day out.
Our day was planned to be as follows: take a coach to Apsley Mill Paper Trail, at which point OGH would get off; then drop OGM off at RES. After an hour and a half, we would swap over. Fortunately for us, both sites were located near each other, in Hemel Hempstead. This gave us the opportunity to see both sites, so we didn’t waste our time.
At RES (Renewable Energy Systems), we learned about solar power, generating power, wind turbines and much more. We even received a tour of the site including a 50m tall wind turbine and a large array of solar panels. We also had enough time left to do some experiments demonstrating wind direction etc.
Unfortunately, time flew, and our hour and a half had been spent – it was time to go to the Paper Trail.
We got out of the coach to the sight of a fairly large building entirely surrounded by a small, narrow river. The only connection to the ‘outside world’ was a thick metal bridge allowing workers or visitors to cross the river. So essentially, we were visiting an island!
By the time we had all arrived on the ‘island’, OGH had come running out to the coach, all chattering about the fun that they had had in the previous hour and a half, and if RES was going to fulfil their expectations.
Sure enough, a man came to greet us and to tell us about what we were going to do. He announced that we were to be split into three groups, each of which, in turn, would receive a tour of the mill, a printing lesson and a paper making lesson. Also, we were challenged to create a boat, without cutting or tearing, and using only one piece of paper, that would not only float, but move against the current of the swift flowing river.
Once in our groups, we set to work. Apsley Mill was originally a water mill, using water as a power source. Gradually, over time, it changed to become a paper mill due to the amount of recyclable waste. Apsley Mill makes its very own paper by crushing the microscopic fibres within the material of the object, and then mixing it with vast amounts of water. Then it is collected on a special tray and left to dry. After a while, you have a fresh, new piece of paper!
Luckily, there was just enough time to complete everything – we even made our own paper!
Overall, the day out was extremely fun, and a lot was learned. I, as well as the rest of OG am very grateful to the teachers for organising this wonderful event.
By Ethan Radus, OGM
Snow and ice were not the only things that would excite OG boys as it was the day of the Geography Field Trip. As we stepped on to the coach, the excitement gradually built up, and the whispers of anticipation and delight expanded to become shouts and cheers throughout the coach. Accompanying us were three teachers: Mr. Pike, Miss Robin and Mr. Davies. Like us, they were ready for a fun, educational day out.
Our day was planned to be as follows: take a coach to Apsley Mill Paper Trail, at which point OGH would get off; then drop OGM off at RES. After an hour and a half, we would swap over. Fortunately for us, both sites were located near each other, in Hemel Hempstead. This gave us the opportunity to see both sites, so we didn’t waste our time.
At RES (Renewable Energy Systems), we learned about solar power, generating power, wind turbines and much more. We even received a tour of the site including a 50m tall wind turbine and a large array of solar panels. We also had enough time left to do some experiments demonstrating wind direction etc.
Unfortunately, time flew, and our hour and a half had been spent – it was time to go to the Paper Trail.
We got out of the coach to the sight of a fairly large building entirely surrounded by a small, narrow river. The only connection to the ‘outside world’ was a thick metal bridge allowing workers or visitors to cross the river. So essentially, we were visiting an island!
By the time we had all arrived on the ‘island’, OGH had come running out to the coach, all chattering about the fun that they had had in the previous hour and a half, and if RES was going to fulfil their expectations.
Sure enough, a man came to greet us and to tell us about what we were going to do. He announced that we were to be split into three groups, each of which, in turn, would receive a tour of the mill, a printing lesson and a paper making lesson. Also, we were challenged to create a boat, without cutting or tearing, and using only one piece of paper, that would not only float, but move against the current of the swift flowing river.
Once in our groups, we set to work. Apsley Mill was originally a water mill, using water as a power source. Gradually, over time, it changed to become a paper mill due to the amount of recyclable waste. Apsley Mill makes its very own paper by crushing the microscopic fibres within the material of the object, and then mixing it with vast amounts of water. Then it is collected on a special tray and left to dry. After a while, you have a fresh, new piece of paper!
Luckily, there was just enough time to complete everything – we even made our own paper!
Overall, the day out was extremely fun, and a lot was learned. I, as well as the rest of OG am very grateful to the teachers for organising this wonderful event.
By Ethan Radus, OGM