Castle Hill Blog

28.4.23

It has been another busy and exciting week here at Castle Hill. I am incredibly proud of the sixth form students who smashed their Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition. Our Year 11 pupils have shown courage and responsibility, embracing their work experience placements. A massive thank you to Ms Wheeler who worked extremely hard to make it a valuable and memorable week for all involved! And, our Year 9s have demonstrated excellent social skills with their peers and members of the public on the Alton Towers residential. 

Duke of Edinburgh

This week's spotlight is on our fantastic Duke of Edinburgh provision led by our dedicated and highly experienced teacher Mrs Jones. Mr Heath provides exceptional support when needed, bringing energy and enthusiasm. 

Last week was the start of D of E season with our oldest students completing their Silver practice expedition. Throughout the 2 night 3 day expedition students looked at travel in a rural environment, navigation skills, camp craft and most importantly learning to make staff a brew using trangia stoves!

The aim of this expedition is to develop competency and confidence in the above areas so that in the June qualifier they can be as self-sufficient and independent as possible. It is all about applying the training we have done in lessons in an unfamiliar environment. Staff were certainly kept in good supply of tea and coffee and no one got lost so overall a great success!

The award aims to develop skills which can be transferred to other aspects of life such as teamwork, self-management, resilience, communication and problem solving. The development of these was very apparent in a short space of time with students pulling together supporting each other and recognising strengths within the group.

I could talk all day about the positive elements of this trip as staff we
were very proud of what we observed and the feedback from the
public was amazing.

But I thought the participants might like to have their say…..

“I was extremely nervous about sleeping away from home and trying something new. I feel accomplished I was able to do it but also that I really enjoyed it. Really happy with how we all got on.”

“I was nervous about doing activities outdoors and how we would
get on spending all that time together. I really enjoyed the views and being outdoors. I was pleased with how we communicated with each other to problem solve.”

I was trying to think of how to explain why we do the award at Castle Hill but I feel this statement from the founder says it all. Well done to all in the Silver group for kicking the D of E season off in such a positive fashion.

“If you can get a young person to succeed in any one activity, then that feeling of success will spread over into many others” HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Hi Ho ! And it's off to work we go!

Looking ahead, dates for the diary:

And Finally...

Strike Action Tuesday 2nd May

As per this week's arrangements we have made sustained efforts to offer a place to our most vulnerable pupils. We have also offered a place to Year 11 and Year 13 pupils taking into account the most recent DFE guidance. Thank you for your support, it is appreciated.

Have a great weekend!