News & Headteacher Blogs

A Remarkable Week in Quebec: Skiing, Character and CREARCI in Action

Over the half term, a group of 40 sixth-form students returned from what can only be described as an exceptional visit to Quebec, centred around five days of skiing at Mont-Sainte-Anne. It was a week defined not only by sporting progress, but by character, community, and the consistent embodiment of our seven School values; 'CREARCI'.

Five Days on the Slopes

From the first morning on the mountain, it was clear we were in for a memorable week. For some students it was their first time on skis, which takes real courage. Others were building on previous experience and quickly began pushing themselves on steeper runs, even attempting moguls by the end.

Across five days, including the novelty of skiing under floodlights one evening, the progress was great to see. Students who started cautiously on the nursery slopes were confidently linking parallel turns by the final day. There were falls, tired legs and some very cold mornings, but they kept getting back up and enjoyed the thrill that skiing gives you. That resilience defined the week.

As staff, Mr Prosser, Mrs Pankhania, Ms Baldwin, Miss Parry, Mrs Cox, Mr Dunne and I were hugely impressed. The technical improvement was excellent, but what mattered just as much was the way students encouraged one another. There was a real sense of equality on the slopes. It did not matter who had skied before and who had not. Everyone supported each other to improve.

Representing the School So Well

One of the proudest parts of the trip was how our students conducted themselves. Cabin crew on the BA flights, ski instructors, restaurant staff and fellow visitors all commented on their manners. More than once, members of the public approached us to say how polite and respectful they had been.

That sense of responsibility and integrity travelled with them everywhere. Whether in the hotel, in restaurants, on the slopes or exploring the city, they made good choices. They understood that they were representing their school and did so with maturity.

Beyond the Skiing

The trip extended well beyond time on the mountain. A visit to Montmorency Falls was unforgettable. Standing in front of the vast frozen cascade was a moment of real perspective. Students embraced the experience with curiosity and creativity, capturing photographs and taking in the scale of the landscapes. The main waterfall was even higher than at Niagara Falls. 

An afternoon in Old Quebec City allowed them to explore the region’s culture and history. Walking through snow-lined streets and independent shops, they showed confidence and independence, navigating a new environment with ambition and enthusiasm.

Evenings Together

Back at the hotel, the competitive spirit continued. Quiz night brought out strong teamwork, with Year 13 claiming victory. Bingo was equally lively, with Nikolai winning a coveted North Face backpack to great applause.

Students also enjoyed some well-earned 'downs' time in the hot tubs, gym and games room. These chilled moments built friendships and strengthened the sense of community that makes trips like this so memorable.

CREARCI in Action

Throughout the week, we saw our School 'CREARCI' values lived out every day:

• Courage in those stepping onto skis for the first time and attempting new runs.

• Resilience in getting up after a fall and trying again.

• Equality in the way students supported each other regardless of ability.

• Ambition in the steady determination to improve each day.

• Responsibility in representing the school with maturity.

• Creativity in embracing new cultural experiences.

• Integrity in making the right choices, even when no one was watching.

Trips like this are about far more than great skiing. They allow students to grow in confidence, independence and self-belief. We returned tired but proud. It was a brilliant week, and our students were a credit to the school.

We look forward to taking our next cohort of students in 2028. Trips & Adventures - The Downs School

Mrs Pankhania & staff