As we approach the new term we look back at the first week of the summer holiday (for most) were we held the Rhyddings summer school for 2022.
We had a good mixture of pupils coming from our primary schools and meeting each other for the first time whilst doing the ice breaker activities where some pupils made their very own badges! They had many opportunities to work with their new-found friends and peers competing through the week with The Apprentice Challenge, where they had to design a brand-new roller coaster and create and present a marketing campaign around a selected target audience. Whilst getting to know the building pupils competed in treasure hunts and escape rooms tasks using their maths skills and introducing themselves to their new teachers all whilst building on their literacy skills. The week was concluded with an excellent team and confidence building day spent at Outdoor Elements outdoorelements.co.uk where pupils had physical challenges.
Many demonstrated excellent resilience when successfully completing their activity ranging from overcoming their fears from climbing trees (45 feet tall). Whilst climbing they had to place their trusting in the rest of the team with belaying (holding the rope safely). Many pupils were able to summon all their courage and overcome voices in their heads that were telling them not to jump from a 35 feet tall tree. The other on ground-based tasks were making their own bread and cooking it on a fire they had started from foraging sticks and logs and finally honing their archery skills.
All pupils demonstrated excellent self-awareness whilst offering encouragement and support, perseverance, mutual respect, awareness and consideration of others – They fully immersed themselves in the activities and demonstrated the values of The Rhyddings Way.
