From bicycle time trials in the Boundaries to an art masterclass, the leadership initiative - the Great Play Date - showcased talents and developed skills for the future.
Preparations for the Great Play Dates started back in September when Mr Cousens briefed Year 8: they were tasked with creating an enriching activity or workshop for a group of Year 4 children from scratch.
The aim of the Great Play Date is two-fold. Firstly, it is a leadership and teamwork opportunity for the Year 8s that gives them the chance to practise skills that will be useful in the future including problem-solving, development of original ideas, planning and negotiation. Secondly, for the Year 4 children, it is the chance to try something new, work with people you are not used to and develop resilience and an adventurous attitude.
The Great Play Dates bring Year 4s and 8s together. The Year 4 children look up to and admire the Year 8s, who showcase skills and attitude that the younger children would like to emulate.
Mr Cousens
A fantastic range of play dates took place including a balloon modelling masterclass, creating posters to raise awareness of environmental threats, a fine art masterclass, a detective course in solving mysteries using morse code and finger printing, golf course, nerf battle, control box lesson, a choreography talent show, a football masterclass, golf and a time trial on bikes in the Boundaries. The Year 8s had resourced and planned every element and worked hard to ensure the Year 4s had a positive time.
Mr Cousens added: “The Great Play Dates also celebrated our pupils’ particular talents, including Rufus, one of our art scholars, who shared his skills with the younger children in the art room, or Sam, who is a fantastic footballer, who showcased his skills in his workshop.”
Afterwards, the Year 4s shared what they did in a celebration assembly, and the Year 8s received feedback on their activities from Mr Cousens.
Dotty in Year 4 said: “The balloon modelling activity was so much fun. The Year 8s were really lovely to work with; they taught us how to make lots of zoo animals. They were really kind and nice to chat with.”
Margie in Year 4 said: “I did the choreography activity where the Year 8s taught us how to do impressive dance moves. It was so much fun and they really challenged us to do some difficult moves that we loved trying to perfect.”
Read more about leadership at Westbourne House.
