Bedales and Bohunt Game-Changer
Workshops at Bedales supporting Bohunt Education Trust’s ‘Game-changer’ programme for selected Year 7 pupils from across the Trust.
Aims
Grow the aspirations, cultural capital and character of students with the underpinning themes of reliance, leadership, independence and creativity.
Background
In 2018, Bohunt, part of the Bohunt Education Trust, and Bedales committed to work together on joint initiatives, initially on staff training and then to develop a programme of student initiatives.
BET schools are embarking on a ‘Game-changer’ curriculum enhancement project, focused on growing the aspirations, cultural capital and character of students. Bedales and Bohunt agreed the ‘Game-changer’ concept would work well as a theme for a Bedales/Bohunt collaboration focused on developing character and resilience in students. As well as educational enhancement and pupil wellbeing, the event worked as an incentive for students to participate in the ‘Game-changer’ programme.
Resources
An afternoon of activities at Bedales based around the following carousel options – with the overarching theme of ‘Sustainability’ – BET pupils chose two workshops from four options: Climate change; Digital Game Design; Drama; and Ceramics.
Each group was accompanied by at least two teachers from their school.
The programme comprised: arrival and introductions; workshop 1; break; workshop 2; wash-up and tea.
Impact
Pupil evaluation sheets were completed. Below are the highlights:
‘I learnt a lot today’ – 77% agreed/strongly agreed
‘I believe I am, or can become, a game-changer’ – 72% agreed/strongly agreed
‘Today inspired me/had a positive effect on me’ – 68% agreed/strongly agreed
Pupil comments:
“I loved ceramics, it was really fun”
“When we were doing drama I really pushed myself”
“I enjoyed meeting others”
“I loved doing ceramics in Art by making eco cups for hot drinks”
“I really enjoyed today because of how much I learnt”
“I enjoyed trying two lessons that we wouldn't necessarily do at our own school; the variety was brilliant”
Head of Virtual School at BET said,
“BET’s vision for education is about empowering our students to become ‘game-changers’. It is also about giving every single child the same chances in life, no matter where they start from. This is what today is all about – working in partnership with Bedales, friends with a similar vision for education, bringing students together from across our schools, taking them out of their comfort zones, creating new opportunities and building confidence and resilience to help them become the best versions of themselves.”
Trust Leader at BET said, “This afternoon’s game-changer event continues to build on the successful and growing programme of activities between our school communities, for the benefit of our amazing students.”
Head of Bedales, commented:
“With students successfully collaborating from across our schools, this event was a great example of our growing partnership. The event also proved to be an excellent leadership opportunity for the sixth formers from Bohunt and Bedales who enjoyed working on these creative activities with the younger students.”
Pupil Involvement
52 x Year 7 pupils from Bohunt School, Liphook, The Petersfield School and The Priory School, Southsea. Each workshop was supported by a Bedales sixth former (student don) and Bohunt student leader.
Frequency
Initially a single event on Wednesday 4 March 2020, but both schools are committed to building on the initial success of this partnership event.
