Across the school, students from Year 7 through to Year 12 threw themselves into a vibrant programme of problem-solving challenges, creative projects, community engagement, team-building exercises and enterprise competitions.

Year 7 began the day putting their detective skills to the test in a Murder Mystery morning. Working in groups, they unravelled the plot of a chilling crime and presented news-style reports exploring motives, suspects, and inheritance intrigue. In the afternoon, it was a complete shift of pace with an Engineering Challenge. Pupils had to design and construct bridges using a finite selection of materials – rubber bands, paper, tape, and St Gabriel’s merchandise. A panel of staff judges, including the Head of DT and members of the Senior Leadership Team, assessed the bridges for strength, design, aesthetics, and the creativity of each group’s pitch.

Year 8 kicked off with an Enterprise Challenge, tasked with designing and branding an innovative new food product to pitch to supermarkets. The Dragons’ Den-style presentations featured some impressive business acumen, with pupils confidently handling tough questions from their peers. The afternoon was spent with Mrs Ferretti in an exciting and interactive Languages Challenge.

Meanwhile, Years 9 and 10 tackled high-energy Army Team-Building exercises led by the South East Army Engagement Unit. Activities ranged from blindfolded tent building and HIT workouts to intense casualty rescue scenarios – all designed to stretch communication, resilience and teamwork.

In a creative twist, Year 10 pupils also turned trash into treasure with their Trash Fashion runway challenge. Pupils crafted haute couture outfits from recyclable materials including bin bags and cardboard, culminating in a fashion show in the marquee before lunch. The day concluded with a fascinating Introduction to Sign Language workshop hosted by Mrs Williams.

Year 9 students spent their afternoon giving back to the community. One group visited Willows Edge Care Home, engaging residents in games and conversation; another took on the Tesco Sustainability Challenge, competing to buy the most donations for a local food bank within a £10 budget; and a third group travelled to Swings and Smiles, a local charity supporting children with additional needs, to assist with grounds maintenance.

Finally, Year 12 students explored future pathways with a morning of University Outreach, followed by a relaxing lunch off-site and some light-hearted bowling to round off the day.

Throughout the school, Activities Day was marked by laughter, learning, and leadership. It was a true celebration of the St Gabriel’s spirit — dynamic, collaborative, and community-minded.