Charlotte Skidmore looks at what is going on in the world of education
School’s royal visitor
Prior Park College’s Duke of Edinburgh Award students demonstrated pitching tents and first aid in the woods during a visit by HRH The Earl of Wessex. As a trustee and a Gold Award holder, The Earl has championed the DofE for many years and he is travelling around the UK to help celebrate the hard work of volunteers during the charity’s diamond anniverary.
Prior Park College in Bath had 24 pupils from Years 10 and 12 participating in the event. Head of DofE, Sean Dorey, says: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is extremely popular at Prior Park College with approximately 100 pupils involved at any time. It helps our young people to develop their confidence and self-reliance, as well as the ability to work as part of a team. The expedition section remains one of the highlights, with trips to the Marlborough Downs, the Brecon Beacons and Cumbria taking place this year.”
Colour run
More than 2,000 pupils and staff at Millfield School ran around the sports fields through clouds of powdered paint and returning in a kaleidoscope of colour. Held in aid of Sport Relief, the Senior Prefects Team organised three Colour Runs where pupils began their mile run through an arch of powered paint and finished through a funnel of fun. Participants were cheered home by their teachers and classmates.
So far the school has raised in excess of £6,000 from an auction, T-shirt sales and a Just Giving donation page, which will all be going to Sport Relief.
Transforming lives
Pioneering Sidcot School in WInscombe has found the answer to reversing the fortunes of one Ebola stricken orphange devastated by the disease. A consignment of unwanted school uniforms, sent along with valuable learning resources, has proved the key to rejuvenating a school at the Dorothy Peace Centre in Sierra Leone.
Leading charity worker and peace activist Abdul Kamar says the children were so excited to receive the uniform which gave them hope and a sense of belonging. “Attendance at the school has increased and such is the pride in their new uniform that the students have decided to rename the school Sidcot School Siera Leone.”
New school
King’s College, Taunton, is involved in setting up a second new international school overseas. The new British independent school is opening in Doha, Qatar and the project is being sponsored by Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim bin Thani Al Thani, a member of the Qatar Royal Family.
Teachers will be recruited from the UK or from existing British International Schools. Justin Chippendale, Headmaster at King’s Hall School, the associated prep school of King’s College, Taunton says: “I am delighted that we will be able to offer the richness of experience that children in our school currently enjoy on an international level. “I have no doubt that we are creating a very special opportunity and will have an impact in what is a rapidly evolving city.”
