Pupils from Bennett Memorial Diocesan School didn’t wait for the chance of snow arriving in Tunbridge Wells during half term – instead they headed off on a school skiing trip to Obertauern, Austria.
Travelling overnight by coach, around 30 sixth form students hit the slopes at the purpose built resort, which has runs to suit all levels.
Headteacher Ian Bauckham and Head of Physical Education Lee Stoodley kept parents informed with a series of Twitter photos.
The first was of the coachful of happy youngsters setting off on the trip a full 15 minutes early.
The next day Mr Stoodley Tweeted their arrival among the snow-capped Austrian mountains, saying: “Ski trip arrived safely and excitement mounting!”
After several fun-filled days, everyone was intrigued when Mr Bauckham Tweeted a photo of Head Boy
Joshua Hearn, 18, dressed as a banana.
Mr Bauckham later revealed: “The banana outfit is a little ski trip joke which is awarded in turn to members of the party who, during the day, perform the most noteworthy, amusing or dramatic falls or mistakes in their skiing.
“There are three groups – beginners, intermediate and expert, and Joshua, in only his second week of skiing, was promoted to the expert group because of his fast progress.
“But he then promptly fell over on the second day and managed to ‘take out’ his instructor in the process, to the huge amusement of the rest of the group!”
However, when Joshua is not falling over he is a very bright boy.
Mr Bauckham added: “Joshua is also part of the Bennett debating team and has just got through to the regional finals of the English Speaking Union debating tournament, along with schools such as Brighton College, so skiing is not his only strength.”
