This week we hosted our annual Year 7 Leadership Day and Camp. This involved a variety of activities over the course of 2 days to help prepare our Year 7 boys for the challenges and responsibilities of being at the top of the school.
The action-packed programme included an interactive session and talk on leadership by former professional footballer and Team GB Paralympian Alistair Patrick-Heselton. The session consisted of several activities that challenged and stretched the boys while teaching them valuable teamwork and leadership principles which will help them even after they leave school. Alistair conducted a range of games with a twist that allowed him to test how well the boys would cope mentally and physically under pressure, their planning skills as part of a group and communication skills. From the planning stages before the game even started to the game itself, it gave the boys the opportunity to learn from their actions as Alistair highlighted what could be improved through constructive criticism. Mr Patrick-Heselton shared that ‘leadership should inspire people’ and ‘good leadership plans well’ which immensely helped the boys as they had a second go at the games. Throughout the session it was evident the boys were taking on Alistair’s advice which brought them all closer as a team and improving their overall performance in the activities. Alistair left the boys feeling inspired and motivated to be good leaders and achieve at a high standard. He encouraged the boys to take opportunities because you don’t know when you will get them again and that ‘there’s good leadership in the room that needs to be unlocked’. We would like to say a big thank you to Alistair Patrick-Heselton for hosting a highly engaging and motivating session.
The boys also had an overnight camp on the schools grounds which gave them the opportunity to work collaboratively, grow together as a year group and show their leadership potential. As well as sessions informing them about the schools Colour System and providing opportunities to apply for Year 8 Monitor jobs. The Leadership Day and Camp successfully equipped the boys for the next part of their Aldwickbury journey to Year 8. We are so proud of the leadership qualities the boys are already showing and are confident Aldwickbury will provide a space to develop and empower the boys.
