16 June 2021
Mrs Sarah Norman, Head of Year 11
What a week this was! Year 11 students enjoyed a final five action-packed days of the academic year that included learning skills useful for university, future careers and life in general.
Kicking off on Monday 7 June with sessions on personal safety, led by a professional bodyguard, the students threw themselves in with gusto.
A highly practical Tuesday morning entailed a carousel of sessions: car maintenance; how to change a washer on a tap; understanding banking; making fresh pasta; and even sewing on a button. The afternoon was spent in the scorching sunshine in the Kitchen Garden, with a 90ft obstacle course, garden games and eating ice-cream.
Wednesday morning was an emotional one as students took part in the ‘Challenge Event’, organised by Foundation Director, Mrs Mair. In groups, students put together a detailed proposal for raising money for a charity of their choice, which they presented to the year group. Mrs Mair kindly made a personal donation to NAA10 Families Together (www.naa10gene.com), the winning team’s chosen charity. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at one point. An energetic afternoon was filled with dance fitness, a silent disco and fun exercises involving planks of wood, large spiders, and crossing a “river”, which called for plenty of teamwork skills.
On Thursday morning, students made plans for Friday’s sketch show. The afternoon contained a second carousel of life skill activities, this time feeding for free on a foraging walk in the valley, the art of excellent presentation and cupcake decorating.
Friday was a fantastic finale for everyone. The sketch show performances epitomised Year 11’s feelings, and the week’s energy and enjoyment. It was lovely to see the whole year group get on stage to join the ‘Matilda’ group and reenact their Year 7 school production. The students had the surprise of seeing their baby/toddler photos on screen and Dr Whitehead presented informal student awards. This was followed by a delicious brunch on Pergola Lawn.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the week, which couldn’t have taken place without the wonderful help of a lot of Woldingham staff, and some fantastic external specialists.
I hope all our Year 11 students enjoy a well-deserved summer break.
