Enrichment Week - Contrasts Challenge

Monday 18 July 2011

130 pupils took part in the ‘Contrasts Challenge’ as part of Enrichment Week. The week was (as it says on the tin) full of contrasting activities, where pupils were able to challenge themselves to take part in something new or to improve skills they already had.

The first part of the week was based around the Creative Arts with African Dance and African Drumming being a particular feature. They also showed ‘reflectivity’ when they learnt about African children and water sanitation. The task of carrying water for about a mile really helped them to develop empathy for other children and they had a greater understanding of the difficulties other children face.

The middle part of the week was a particularly physical challenge where pupils cycled for 9 miles around South Cerney and the Cotswold Waterpark. We hired bicycles from Go-By-Cycle and were very grateful for the police presence in controlling the traffic – seeing forty pupils in a line cycling along the cycle track was a sight to behold! Pupil Jamie Laughlin said "I enjoyed the cycling the best – 10/10 this week!"

Thursday and Friday saw pupils participate in yet more physical challenges which included Kick Boxing, Fencing and Pilates. "It’s been brilliant" said Keiran Lane "A fun and an amazing experience – I love fencing!" Some pupils even had the energy on Thursday evening to join a local Kick Boxing class having enjoyed it so much earlier in the day!

The week was a great success with pupils rising to the challenge of both the physical and mental tasks they faced. Jamie Lyons summed it up brilliantly: "This week has taught me to ‘never give up’. The week has been fun and challenging!"

Related Links:

• Go-By-Cycle