RICHARD CROSS headmaster of Berkhampstead School, Gloucestershire
PLATINUM AWARD Berkhampstead School, Gloucestershire
ast term, to commemorate the school’s 70th anniversary, Berkhampstead School launched its own version of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. With this significant milestone in “Berky” history in mind, it was named the Platinum Award.
PERSEVERENCE AND COMMITMENT The award embraces the school motto, Perseverantia Vincit (Perseverence Wins) and is aimed at our oldest girls and boys in
Years Five and Six. Our impressive pupils are quite used to having academic successes applauded within school, but we felt it was time to celebrate the achievements of the children who also participate in a huge range of other areas of school life and outside school in their local community. But rather than completing the award overnight, it is designed to take a few terms – to allow children to learn to commit to a project. The award is all about creating a thirst for adventure and having a go at new challenges. Its aim is to develop healthy lifestyles and community spirit and resilience, qualities that we believe are fundamental in developing happy, focused and successful children. All-round achievement is the key to this award rather
The award is all about creating a thirst for adventure. Its aim is to develop healthy lifestyles, community spirit and resilience 36
independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016
than mere attainment. It should be a fulfilling and joyful experience. Tweet us pics of your child taking part in activities! @ISParent
A BUZZ OF IMAGINATION Already the children have embraced the challenge with great enthusiasm! The award was formally introduced in assembly during the autumn term, and a show of hands as to who wanted to take part was a clear indication of the popularity of the concept – the pupils couldn’t wait to get stuck in and to get their hands on the logbooks. The children were very excited, and the assembly hall was buzzing with imaginative ideas for challenges and new skills that they wanted to try. Many children were keen to learn a second musical instrument or to pick up a new sport, but we also had more unusual ideas such as one eager young girl who wanted to turn her hand to sushi making! The nature of children at Berkhampstead is when something like this is on offer, the vast majority want to have a go. Children
PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTEN DE BURGH-THOMAS
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A craving for adventure and “having a go” is at the heart of our new school award, writes Richard Cross