EDUCATION
Times
Student aims for the top all in the name of charity
Former Skinners Kent Academy and Bennett Memorial pupil Ben Powell explains why doing the Duke of Edinburgh scheme has given him the confidence to do the 3 Peaks Challenge this summer I DECIDED to do the 3 Peaks Challenge, which is to summit the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24hours, to raise money for the Children’s Society. After travelling to Glasgow, I’ll climb Ben Nevis on the afternoon of July 2, then Scafell Pike before breakfast on July 3, then Snowdon at around lunchtime. I’ll be doing the challenge with a group of students from Loughborough University Rag team who are also raising money for the Children’s Society. I developed a love of hiking at a young age in the French Alps and have always wanted do something epic like this. Doing the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) scheme while I was at school has without doubt given me the confidence to take on this big challenge. Enrolling in the D of E programme gives you many skills that you can take forward in life. It helps students experience something they might enjoy that they’d never experienced before. It also develops you in different but important areas like social and teamwork skills and helps you to understand the
Education
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Wednesday May 22 | 2019
importance of public service and also commitment. I recently completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which involved a four day hike and camping in the Peak District with training in the Brecon Beacons and the New Forest. All of this has helped contribute to my training for the 3 Peaks Challenge. I recently received my Gold D of E certificate from St James’s Palace and got to meet Prince Edward! HIGH ACHIEVER Ben Powell
Doing something like the 3 Peaks for charity is also a great opportunity to do service for your community, to raise awareness and your understanding of those who are in need. It’s a great personal achievement too. My training for the challenge has been fairly moderate so far as I’ve been working hard on my course at university but I’ll be stepping up the training after my exams in June. I have however managed to fit in a few for long walks carrying weights and done some high altitude training in the French Alps over the Easter holidays. Initially I had a target of £600 to raise but I’m pleased to say I’ve now reached that - but I’ll always be grateful of any additional donations as the Children’s Society is such a great charity helping disadvantaged children across the country. I feel very passionate about this charity which provides local services to help disadvantaged young people who don’t feel safe, loved or able to cope. I’m grateful to everyone who has sponsored me including Buss Murton Law. justgiving.com/fundraising/benpowell18
NEWS
21
Exploring pupils’ sense of well-being ROSE HILL SCHOOL has just come to the end of its second Wellness Week, where pupils, parents and staff looked at the benefits of caring for their mind body and soul. The school partnered with Tunbridge Wells-based Wellness HQ who have been delivering sessions throughout the week on the six pillars of wellbeing. In addition, there have been sessions on self-belief, managing exam stress, mindfulness, green spaces, nutrition and internet safety. Students have also been making the most of the 15 acres of outdoor space with a wilderness walk and tree climbing with local firm Canopy who helped fifty students get 40ft up one of the school’s tallest trees. One of the highlights to the week
has been the screening of the film Embrace with an introduction by local mum and coach, Action Woman AKA Emma Jefferys. The documentary looks at and challenges how women feel about their bodies and champions the Body Positive movement.
Highlight Rose Hill Head Emma Neville said “Wow. This is the second time we have run this week and on each occasion the whole school community has come together to think about what wellness means to us. For me the highlight has been tree climbing, what a view from up there! Thank you to everyone who has been involved.”
GROUP EFFORT Rose Hill pupils take part in Wellness Week