Staines Prep Pupils Rising to the Challenge
07 Nov 2014
Try it! That was the theme and driving force echoing through the halls and classrooms at Staines Prep recently as the Upper School fully immersed itself into the excitement of its annual Challenge Day. There was a hive of activity in every corner of the building as pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated to captivating presentations and inspiring group and individual challenges.
The much anticipated day is part of the school’s Challenge Award, which is built on the strands of learning, leadership, life skills, outdoor pursuits, discovery and development, responsibility and team building. It is designed to encourage each child to try new things outside of their comfort zone, expanding their interests and creating new passions.
For Year 3, the day began with an indoor awe-inspiring birds of prey display. This was followed by a range of informative presentations given by the RNLI. The talks focused on the history of the RNLI and the importance of staying safe near water. Year 3 pupils also learnt a variety of useful first aid skills.
Year 4 and 5 pupils spent valuable time out amongst the local community. Whilst Year 4 were participating in a ‘litter pick’ and using their imagination to create sound effects for a scary story, Year 5 were expanding their knowledge into healthy living by purchasing fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocer and inventing their own healthy recipes. The children then swapped their chefs’ whites for wizards’ cloaks as they tried their hand at magic trickery.
Year 6 got all fired up as they took part in their own ‘Junior Apprentice’. The budding entrepreneurs had to design a new cereal, write and produce an advert for the product, then present their creation to an intimidating judging panel – Headmistress Ms Sawyer, Chair of School Governors Mr Bannister and Vice-Chair of The Friends of SPS Mrs Geraghty – but they took it all in their stride.
Throughout the day the children were also treated to a variety of other new experiences, including African drumming and meditation.
Ms Sawyer said: “This is such a wonderful opportunity to encourage the children to try new things. Now in its fifth year the SPS Challenge Award has becoming a well-loved part of the School’s curriculum.”
The Challenge Award scheme, which is loosely based on the principles of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is open to all Staines Prep pupils and runs from September to July. Individual and team challenges are mainly teacher-lead unless specialised tuition is required.
The syllabus is carefully tailored to suit each year-group, ensuring progression as pupils advance through their scholastic years. Certificates listing their achievements are awarded at the end of the academic year.
Photo: Staines Prep pupils learning African drumming as part of SPS Challenge Day
Left to right: Mr Shadrache, Aidan Mirza (age 7), Mareeha Jalil (age 7), Aneet Dhillon (age 7), Phoebe Tait (age 7), Freya Bowles (age 7), Harrison Thomas (age 7) and Shivan Sinha (age 7).